12 to 18 months: making little artists and favourite toys

This is a perfect time to introduce home made, edible play dough, and paints. Keep in mind it will be very messy, but being messy is very important when it comes to play (it also makes it more fun for your toddler). Get messy with them (as hard as that may be for you) - this will help bring you and your toddler together by building trust.

A fantastic activity to do at this age is taking an old bed sheet or large roll of paper outside, putting some paints on plates around the sheet, and stripping your toddler down to their diaper. Allow them to walk or crawl onto the paint, then move across the sheet. You'll get great hand prints, foot prints, and butt prints! Cut out sections and frame them for friends and family as they make great keepsakes.

You'll notice now that your young toddler is starting to favour particular toys - cars, dolls, airplanes, etc. Don't feel like that's all you can offer them - offer other types of toys to see if anything else peaks their interest. If you child isn't in daycare (where they get to experience more toys than at home), sign up for a play group. Usually playgroups and indoor play centres will have other toys that you don't. Watch your toddler and see what they gravitate to. It's a great way to see what else they may enjoy without spending too much money. It's also a great way to meet other parents/caregivers.

Photo credit: med-8315 by aaron gilson via Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/aarongilson/5419902456/