Christmas For My Toddler

  Well it’s Christmas time again and here I am with a 3year old and no idea what to get him.  I do know that I need to clear out a lot of toys that he has outgrown or just does not play with anymore!  I also contemplate on what I can get him that will help with his speech and communication skills. He is definitely in need of clothes but what good fun loving mom buys clothes for their toddler on Christmas?  No it needs to be toys plus he is now at that age where he loves ripping into presents, last year we still had to help him and show him that there was a prize under that wrapping. Tristan is a gentile fun loving spirited child and loves loves loves his cars, just like his daddy.  I always indulge his passion for vehicles, literally anything on wheels, but I was also told by his speech mentor that he needs toys to take him out of his routine and ignite other parts of his mind and imagination.  

Quick Tip: https://www.shegotguts.com › posts › 2017/12 › 25-toys-to-get-your-toddl…

Dec 9, 2017 – I’ve come up with a list of my favorite toys to get your toddler talking, … We decided to enroll her in speech therapy privately through our ..

 December 9, 2017

GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING TOYSBattery Free: there are exceptions to the rule, but you want your kids to say the words or make the sounds that the toy is making.  When playing with a car toy, you want your kiddo to honk the horn and say” beeeep!” If a great toy comes with noises – just ditch the batteries

• Open Ended Toys: you want toys that can be used in a variety of way, have no beginning, middle, or end, that can be used over time, and they allow your kiddo to use their imagination.
• Traditional Toys: go back to basics and think about what you had when you were a kid; legos, blocks, cars and trucks, farm. etc. keep it simple and old schoo

• Meaningful: choose toys that relate to a meaningful experience for your kiddo; role play like feeding, bathing, dressing
• Developmentally Appropriate: think about where your kiddo is developmentally when choosing a toy. If they are two years old, but functioning at a 6-9 month old, choose a toy more appropriate for a 6-9 month old. Meet them where they are!
• Encourage Social Interaction: choose toys that can encourage social interaction and take turns; play kitchen, etc. 
• Don’t Worry About Gender: do not stick to gender specific toys – girls need to play with construction toys and every boy needs a doll. 
• Get them Moving/Go Outdoors: consider toys that get them moving (ride on toy) and think of toys that be used outside; playhouse, water table, etc. 

So some of the toys mentioned in this blog and explained why they help made a lot of sense and perfect for my son.  Some that peaked my interest were 

•Play Kitchens ( I will play meal time with him and invite his friends over for play time.) 

•Play houses( We can have this as an outside toy and play clubhouse, another great toy for friends.) 

•Books ( I read to Tristan almost every evening!)

•Instruments ( We do have some and its good for his fine motor skills) 

•play-doh ( Not sure if I am ready for this one! Hahaha ) 

•medical kit ( Have not gotten or even thought about this one but I believe it will make a great Christmas gift!) 

The biggest thing I took away from reading this webpage was that I need to interact with play time, talking and explaining and simply pretending with my child.  Tristan has come a long way from when we first started getting him speech therapy, along with working at home with him and turning the TV off he has more than tripled his vocabulary and is improving on his 2 and 3 word sentences.  It does not sound like much when I type it out but I am grateful for the progress no matter how fast, he is a happy, healthy toddler that is what matters to me! 

     Side Note: Wanted to let y’all know that Tristan has used his potty for a Big number 2 twice!  First time was last week! It is definitely a step in the right direction! He has mastered Pee Pee in the potty and we no longer reward him with gummy bears just lots of praise and hi fives!:) 

Thanks For Reading 

Heidi Parker