Entertain your tot in the sunshine

Are you stuck what to do with your tearaway toddler? We’ve got the ideal solutions to keep you and her busy all day…


Your tiny baby is now a walking, talking, opinionated little human being. After the age of two, she becomes a person in her own right. You can go walking with her, reason with her (well, most of the time) and have a proper conversation with her. But the best thing about your baby becoming a toddler is that you gain a mate.

What better way to celebrate your new mummy-toddler bond than to do something special with her? We’ve come up with some simple, but fabulous, activities for you and your little one to do together. When it comes down to it, it’s not what you do that counts, just that you’re spending precious moments, enjoying each other’s company – and having plenty of fun, fun, fun!

FARMYARD FUN

Bringing your toddler’s farmyard favourites such as ducks, sheep, rabbits and pigs to life is a wonderful experience. A farm’s a perfect outing because it’s not on too big a scale and the animals aren’t scary.

You can get her involved by buying feed to give to the animals and many farms let toddlers help at milking time. Get your toddler to tell you which animals she recognises and do the sounds they make – you never know, the cow might even moo back!

Most farms have cafés, so you can pause for lunch before you take off again and go on a tractor ride.

What you need: Wellington boots (if it’s wet weather)

Cost: some are free of charge; others from around £1
Contacts Visit www.farmgarden.org.uk for a city farm or community garden near you


GREEN-FINGERED GUYS AND GIRLS

Get in the garden as fresh air is great for your toddler and if she knows she’s helping you, all the better.

Buy her a little garden set (Early Learning Centre and Mothercare both do brilliant sets) including a fork, spade and maybe her own little barrow, then encourage her to help you dig, ‘mow’ the lawn, and best of all, plant some seeds. Sunflower seeds are perfect for children – they’re bright and colourful and she can watch it grow as the days go by.

You could even give her her own patch of ground, take her to the garden centre and let her choose which seeds she’d like to plant. If it’s sunny, don't forget to slap on the sunscreen.

What you need: Garden tools for you and your tot and sunscreen if it’s sunny

Contacts: Ring or visit your local Mothercare or Early Learning Centre.


NATURE TRAIL

A simple walk in the park or woods can be turned into your very own nature trail. Go to your local woods or park, and tell her that you’re going looking for creatures.

Take a jar with you and look for bugs, beetles and worms. When you find one, pop him in the jar and put a leaf in there for him to eat. When you get home your tot will love checking on him to see how much he’s eaten (don't forget to put him back in the garden after a few days!).

When you’re on your walk, point out all the different flowers and trees, and pick up a few bits of nature to make a collage with when you get home – stones, leaves, grass and sticks will make a brilliant picture.

What you’ll need: a couple of jars with lids; glue, Sellotape and paper for your collage

Cost: Nothing


ON THE BUSES

You may dread the idea, but your toddler will adore a day spent on public transport. Make sure there’s an end destination such as the park or the shops, but give the real focus to the journey.

Choose from buses, trains or trams. On the bus, let your child hand the money to the conductor, and on the train let your toddler ‘work’ the ticket machine (she’ll probably understand it better than you).

On the journey, point out interesting buildings and different people, and ask her questions about what she sees; play ‘I spy’ or counting games, such as ‘how many people are getting on at this stop?’. It’s great fun.

What you need: One-day travelcard; drinks and snacks

Cost: Children under-five go free; adults varies depending on your region
Contacts call your local bus company for times and prices; for national rail information and times call 08457 484950, or visit www.thetrainline.com


HOME GIRL

It’s all too easy to leave her in front of the TV while you get on with your chores when you and your little one are at home together.

Forget the housework for a day and spend some quality time with your tot. Plan an extra special day with her at home – take the phone off the hook so there'll be no interruptions.

In the morning, bake some biscuits together and play with toys. Stop for lunch, eat the same food and sit at the table with her. In the afternoon, do a puzzle together and then settle down to watch her favourite video. At teatime, have a picnic in the garden and invite all her teddies, finishing off with the biscuits you made that morning. End your perfect day with a bath, story and bed.

What you need: A day when you know you won’t be distracted by housework

Cost:Nothing

By Linda Stanfield