Parenting

First I need to apologise for the break in between entries. My baby girl turmed one and we've had party preparations, interstate visitors, celebrating and much much more happening. However, 'normality' is back and so are my play ideas...

This entry is also a recommendation for a simple toy as well. From the time your little loved one is able to manipulate objects this toy is useful. I have a few variations of educational play eggs, however my favourite and most widely used carton ...

Want to utilise the cars and trucks in your childs toy collection in a new way? Here are a couple of ideas...

Take a look at the variety of wheels and treads of the cars, trucks, bikes etc. and collect a few with differing treads.

Firstly, using Play Dough, roll or flatten out the Play Dough. Then simply use the vehicles to wheel over the Play Dough to create patterns. Talk about the patterns, discussing which are wide, thin retc. Play a game of 'Guess which vehicle ...

'Flash cards' can be either loved or loathed. For those who have them, but don't know what to do with them, or those who don't, but are interested, read on for some flash card fun.

Depending on the cards you have will impact on whether you can do all of the activities.

Remember, as with most games and toys with children, introduce only a few at a time. In this case, add extra cards as your child becomes familiar and confident with what he/she is playing with.
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Reading can be such fabulous fun with children. I'm not neccessarily referring to the nightly reading of books from school, which is hopefully still enjoyable, but rather the special reading you do together, just for fun.

Obviously reading the story can be entertaining, but try 'reading the illustrations' for something different. You can 'make up a story' yourself, or you can do it together.

Alternatively, simply discuss the illustrations without actually creating a story. ...

Almost everyday our letterboxes are filled with advertising mail, local newspapers and magazines. Some of us may have a perfect way to recycle these already, but have you thought of collecting a pile or two for your child to use? There are so many possibile activities to do with the humble 'junk mail'.

Babies will begin to look at the pictures as well as scrunch and tear their way to learning to how to turn pages.

Toddlers will use it to learn how to master the art of ...