| 1. Go to the pet
store often.
Let your child
roam freely among all of the
different kinds of animals and
animal toys.
2. Go to the
library and check-out picture books
together.
3. Think of
outings that have a lot of enjoyment
for you and choose to go to those
places so that you will have less
stress when you are out with your
child.
Many parents are
trying so hard to please their child
that they forget themselves in the
equation. This can lead to a less
enjoyable time for the child, since
children like it when their parents
look happy.
4. Throw pennies
into the fountain and make a wish.
5. Go to the
airport and watch the planes take
off, land, and taxi.
6. Feed the ducks.
An opportunity to
get out into nature together. A
relaxing and fulfilling outing for
both parent and child.
7. Develop a
ritual of taking a walk near your
home with your child and their
wagon.
Find a destination
close to your home, such as the
playground, the park, the library,
or the store, and take your child
and their wagon on a walk there
often. Soon your child will be
begging you, "Mom, Dad, let's walk
to the park!"
8. Sing songs to
your child while driving in the car,
such as "This Old Man," "B-I-N-G-O,"
etc.
Research indicates
that this kind of interaction is
more stimulating to a child's brain
development than listening to
recorded music. And it is fun!
9. Take your child
to the zoo.
Nature will
nourish your child's soul, your
bonding together, and stimulate your
child's brain development.
10. Take your
child to a "Mommy and Me" class in
the community where children can be
around other children and experience
music, crafts, using their bodies,
etc.
This piece was
written by Dr. Clare Albright,
Psychologist and Parenting Coach,
author of "100 Tips for Parents of
Two Year Olds", which can be
downloaded for only $5.77 at http://www.ParentsOfTwoYearOlds.com |