Give her a little time

Some kids take a while to figure out how to deal with a new situation.  This little girl seems a bit on the cautious side.  Her Mom cheers her on, but lets her take her time and find her own way. After a little while she will probably be running around.

Easy backyard water play

Hanging the hose on the fence makes for quick, easy fun.  Mom is nearby to make sure things stay safe.  The water will probably make mud.  If you let the kids play in the mud, you can move the hose to a new spot to clean them up.

"On my foot there is a flea" fun

The kids are having fun, learning some of their body parts, and learning to wait for the fun at the end of the song. Play has a purpose!

What language is he speaking?

This 2 year old is telling a story.  Unless you knew him, you would think he is talking in his own language. Mom does a good job of helping him keep his story going.  You can see that it is hard work for him, but getting practice telling stories will make him easier to understand as each day goes by.  Being able to understand him will make every day easier for everybody.  Not having people understand what they are saying is a major cause of 2 year old tantrums.
 

What to do with a jealous big brother?

Big brother is really jealous of the attention that baby is getting.  Instead of getting mad at him, the family finds a simple way to let him be part of the action. 

When they don't want to show off

Mom knows her little guy can sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider song.  Getting it on camera would be great, but.... he doesn't want to.  This can be very frustrating,  but Mom is very respectful.  When she shows him respect she is helping him learn how to be respectful of her and others.  This makes family life much happier for everyone!

Active reading with 2 year olds

Reading books with little kids doesn't have to be about sitting still.
 

I only like you when you give me cookies.

This Mom handles this so well.  She doesn't get upset when her son tells her he doesn't like her. She know that none of us like each of our family members ALL the time.  Mom just keeps her cool and tells him that she loves him.  Her calm way of handling this will probably help him be honest in the future as well as keep him from saying he doesn't like her just to get a big reaction out of her.

Multitasking 2 year old style

Mom is teaching her little guy the names for shapes while he colors on the shapes..  At his age, he can't really pronounce the names, but he does have  ways of trying to say them.  Mom is very good- she just says the name without trying to get him to say it "right".   He is learning good coloring skills by making lots of marks. Mom knows he can't really be expected to color inside the lines yet.  The "multitasking" of having something to do with their hands, like coloring, makes it easier for many kids to listen.
 

Wait, Wait Bubbles

The bubbles won't wait.  This little girl is having a great time chasing the bubbles even though they won't wait. for her.  Mom blows a few bubbles at a time so the little girl can track on one or two. The play can last longer too, since everyone doesn't get tired out by a frenzy of bubbles.
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Not quite ready to slide on own.

Oops!!! Fun turned into OUCH. She doesn't know how to get her feet down first and Dad is a bit too far away to help out.  He is very quick to make sure she is OK.  Will she be afraid to slide again?  After Dad and Mom teach her all the ways to get her feet down first, she will have lots of fun sliding safely!

What is he talking about?

Would you know what he is talking about?  This little guy can tell a story,but only someone who has been part of the story will understand  what he is talking about.  Mom does a nice job of asking him questions to keep him talking without pushing or correcting him.  Getting a chance to tell stories his own way now will help him  learn to tell stories we can all  understand later.

Dizzy fun

The little one copies the older one.  Round and round, we all fall down.  A great way for kids to have some fun, get some exercise and learn some balance. Parents can play, too.  Best played in places where nobody gets hurt when they fall down.

Singing copycats

The little one copies the older one.  These girls are having fun and trying to make the drive go by faster by making up a song.  The words may not make sense, but the fun does.  The bigger one learns that being a positive role model is fun. 

Coping with toddler overload at Christmas

     This little guy has a bad case of Christmas overload.  His family does a nice job of trying to show him that he has more presents without pushing him to open them.  He just can't get himself together, but a cuddle with Mom might help him settle down while the rest of the family opens their  presents.

Help me, Mama

     One of the big questions for parents is when to help and when to let the kid try or struggle to do it themself.  This mom does a great job of  lettting her little guy know that he can try more on his own, but that she will help him if he needs it.

How to play "3 little pigs"

What a great game these two are playing.  She is learning to wait, take turns, tell a story and have fun with Dad.

Learning to count takes time

This little guy is learning to count in 2 languages.  One concept, 2 ways to say it.  Dad seems happy to spend the extra time to help him learn both ways. What a great plus for the kid to be able to know both.

Not showing off

Mom is trying to get this little girl to show what she knows.  The girl has other ideas. Mom does a good job of changing the song.  You can see that the girl knows some of the motions for each of them but doesn't wan to play the game..  Mom stops filming when the kid isn't interested, instead of pushing her to do more.  Good job, Mom! 

Maybe time to potty train?

I agree with the title of this video!  It seems like she has full understanding of her own need to go and the process of using the toilet. Time for bye-bye to the convenience of diapers-Hello big girl who goes in and uses the potty .