Surviving Isolation with a Toddler
Isolation. The word itself is lonely and anxiety provoking. Add in an energetic, highly active toddler who was pulled out of routine, and thrives on that routine and well, I’m ready to call it a day after day one.
I like to think I’m not alone, and since we’re all in this together I’m going to share what activities I’m doing with Maximus during our self isolation time.
I will note that I do 1-2 of these activities a day, usually in the morning and after his nap. The rest of the day is filled with free play/playing together, going for walks and Netflix (because, sanity & I have things to get done too).
1. Painting. I threw a dollar store plastic tablecloth on our kitchen table and let little Picasso get to work on clay animals and blank canvases I bought from the dollar store. To mix things up and keep painting interesting, we have also painted with Q-tips and cotton balls.
2. Fill/make a bird feeder. Activities don’t have to be hours long. Filling a bird feeder with food takes minutes but Maximus loves being a helper and this is a great opportunity for him help (he also loves watering my herb plants). He’ll also sit at the window and watch the birds which is a total bonus.
3. Baking or making meals. A great activity for any age group which incorporates many skills. For my toddler, the skill we work on while we bake or make lunch/dinner together is patience and follow instructions.
4. Bathing toys. In a time where we are trying to get rid of germs this is a great way to get your child involved. Fill your sink or a bucket with soapy water and let them clean their toys.
5. Colour sorting. Place coloured Pom Pom balls in a muffin tin and give your toddler tings to sort with. I got this idea from @busytoddler on Instagram. A great way to teach colours, counting and using fine motor skills.
6. Get outside. Getting outside for fresh air and movement is likely the most important part of our day. I try to get ya outside twice a day. Because many parks are closed we take walks in our neighbourhood and find big sticks to take on our adventure.
7. Bring out “new” toys. Every Christmas and birthday Maximus receives way too many gifts. I always put some away and bring them out throughout the year. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce him to some of his “new” toys, like these Duplo Blocks.
8. Free/Imaginative play. Most of our day is spent with Maximus playing with his toys. I don’t believe in ever scheduling his entire day. He needs the opportunity to explore, be a bit bored and use his imagination (he has a great one!). Speaking of imagination, give your toddler a box, some markers and let them be creative - today Maximus made a spaceship
9. Don’t try to make it perfect. Trying to have a perfect schedule and perfect activity for your kids will only stress you out. Maximus wanted a campfire so I went into our craft bin pulled out tissue paper, a basket and pipe cleaners and made him a campfire (snack and camp songs included, thanks to YouTube). Was it perfect? Absolutely not. His “stoking stick” was a spatula. But it was perfect for him!
10. Coffee. This one is for you mama. Make sure that you have a lot of coffee on hand because if you’re not use to being home full time (which I’m not), these days are going to seem never ending. You’re going to lose patience, you’re going to get frustrated. It’s okay, grab a cup of coffee and know you’re not alone!
