Today’s thing to do with a toddler is slow, distracted and charming.
Go on a toddler walk. Honestly- you can just go on a walk to the end of your block, or down the alley. It doesn’t have to be far. The point of this walk is not to get anywhere. The point is to spend a short time seeing what your toddler sees and making memories you’ll be grateful to have.
Take a toddler walk.
If you’ve got older kids, they’ll just have to walk on ahead, because this is going to be slow and leisurely. You’ll have to turn your cell phone off, because if you’re going to see the world with your toddler, you’re going to have to be totally immersed in it.
Make a memory out of this: Hold that warm little hand and feel the soft give of pudgy baby fingers. Notice the funny gait of your little one- the way the whole body wiggles as she toddles along. Listen to the slap slap slap as those little feet hit the ground. You are HERE right now with this funny and amazing little being and they are thrilled, THRILLED you are taking them on an adventure. Yes!
Slow your pace and open your senses. What would you like to notice with your curious little companion?
- Look for something crunchy to step. Stomp! Stomp!
- Point out birds
- Teach you child to smell a flower
Take this time to enjoy the way your toddler is seeing the world. Walking down a street that is familiar to you is still an adventure for your child. Let your toddler examine the cracks in the sidewalk, feel the rough wooden fence post and watch a grasshopper. Maybe you’ll find a real treasure like a stone or a leaf to carry home.
Take a walk and let your toddler give you a brief glimpse into her world.
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Lovely post. We love taking walks together as a family. I also loved taking my older daughter solo before I had little sis.
It is lovely isn’t it? My toddler is an independent so and so, so hand holding is rare. But yes, her hand is soft and warm, her chatting plentiful, and her exaggerated squats to look or smell something so endearing. But the days when the preschooler walks at her pace as well are the best of all!
We try to do this almost everyday! We walk back and forth to Grandma’s house which is next door. There is a very small church between our houses and my toddler loves to sit on the stoop and collect rocks. These are such important memories!
We go on “adventures” all the time! We have a large backyard and lots of paths in the woods. We look for Bambi, I point out butterflies and other bugs, we listen for birds and airplanes. I always bring my camera! I get the best pics of my 2 year old when we go on “adventures.” My Neighbor Totoro is a great movie to inspire these types of outings!
Oh, I love My Neighbor Totoro! Great movie recommendation.
Adventuring with a toddler is such nice and simple way to connect.
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