Run around or be carried- that is the question

One toddler issue- run or be carried.  This little guy is very happy running around "chasing" his Mom, until he is done and ready to be carried. Soon, he will want to get down and run again. This can be very frustrating for parents who are trying to get some place or who want the kid to get some exercise.  Often, everybody is happy if you can switch between running and carrying- real often. 

"Feed the baby"= learning to pretend

Mom is helping her little girl learn to play "pretend".  It is important for kids to learn to do this kind of play.  Parents help by coaching their kids to act out everyday activities with their toys.  It can be feeding the baby, driving the truck to Grandma's, or whatever is going on in your daily life.
 

Toddler water play

Playing in the water makes summer fun for toddlers.  This little guy is at the age where he could spend the whole time happily playing in this one fountain, then have a big tantrum when it is time to go because he didn't get to do  the other stuff.

Down the slide

A lot of kids want to climb up the slide.  This can be fine when your child is the only child at the playground.  This Mom is doing great coaching for learning to slide down the "right way" so that it is safe when lots of kids are 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.

A cheap way to entertain a baby outside

This baby could probably be happy for a long time if people kept bringing her rocks. Since little kids often like to the same thing over and over to see what happens, you could make this work with anything from a small  bucket of water to a large lake.  
 

Toddler water play

Playing in the water makes summer fun for toddlers.  This little guy is at the age where he could spend the whole time happily playing in this one fountain, then have a big tantrum when it is time to go because he didn't get to the other stuff.  It is a tough age. You can feel like a bad parent when you have carry a screaming kid to the car.

Can you see her thinking?

This little one is making noise, but you can see the thinking going on.  Letting kids explore everyday stuff that you have around to give kids a chance to try out their own ideas and figure out what happens helps them learn to think. Once they have had a chance to try it themselves,  talk to them about what is going on.
 

Learning early to play catch

It takes two or more to learn to play catch.   This little guy may be more motivated to please his cheerleaders than to learn to play catch, but he is learning.  The soft, lightweight ball makes learning fun and safe!

Let them outside!

It doesn't have to be nice out and they don't need much in the way of something to play with.  Dress them well and let them out. for a while. You might have to go out too, if you want them to stay out of the mud.

Playground fun for baby

Older babies can have fun at the park with a lot of help from Dad or Mom. Dad has a good hold on the baby.  Dad is rocking the toy just enough that the baby can feel that it is fun.  Any harder would make it too much for the baby.  Dad helps the baby know that this is something fun by making it sound fun!  Sure helps make it easier for Dad to have someplace to sit.:-)

Taking turns can be fun

Babies like it when Dad helps them to have fun.  This one has learned that if he gives the car back to Dad, Dad will keep playing.  This is also a great way to help kids start to learn to take  turns.  

Like father, like son?

This little guy is showing some amazing balance and skill on a skateboard.  Bet Dad is both a good skateboarder and a good teacher.  If the kid is interested and you can make learning a step-by step game, getting kids started in sports or activities that you like is good for everybody.

One way to entertain an older baby

Little ones can get bored.  This Dad shows us one way to entertain an older baby or toddler.  Playing and exercising helps everyone behave and sleep better. 

" Wow, I made him laugh!"

Babies learn really early that getting a "reaction" from someone if a good thing!. These two think that they are hilarious.  You can have the same kind of fun with your baby by "reacting" to the cues they give you about what they think is fun or funny, though it might not be what you think is so funny. Try to stay with what the baby finds truly fun.

Not crawling, but moving!

Wow, he can both move where he wants and make the car go. Now that he has put in all the hard work of tummy time, he can really  make things happen in his world. There is no stopping him now, unless he isn't watching where he is going.

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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It is scary or not?

It is scary or not? Do I need help or not?  Learning to figure out what is funny and what is scary is a tough job for babies.  This baby seems to be thinking "This cow might be scary, but Mom is right there and she's not scared, so maybe it is OK?"  Parents have to help kids figure these things out by giving them safe, low key experiences to learn with.

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.

Good game: Where is baby?

This baby and Dad are good at this game!  Baby knows how to work to pull the towel off to see Dad.  Dad uses expression to let baby know what is happening.  Dad puts enough towel up so that baby has to do something to get out, but not so much that is it scary or hard.  It is a fun time for both.