Teaching Toddlers to Entertain Themselves

Teaching Toddlers to Entertain Themselves

** Teaching toddlers to entertain themselves for 15 minutes at a time might seem like an impossible task. However, this can be obtained with training. This is what I have done. I give her a “toddler tote/bag” on a blanket near me. I explain that she needs to stay on the blanket and play with her toys. I set the timer and tell her when it goes off that she may get up. I start out with a time, I think she can accomplish. Usually, 5 minutes at first. Then I increase the time by a minute each day. I usually have this training session, at least twice a day when I start out. If she wants to get up, I tell her “no” and place her back on the blanket. I also show her the toys and give her suggestions on how to play with them. Then I walk away. No matter what, she must stay on the blanket until the timer goes off. When the timer goes off, I let her know that she may get up or continue to play with her toys. A lot of the time, she will want to get up and get a different “toddler tote/bag”. This is fine if she cleans up first. If she gets another “toddler tote/bag”, I set the timer again but for an extra minute. Within 2 weeks, she was entertaining herself for 20 -30 minutes at a time. I have learned what “toddler totes/bags” she likes the best. I save these when I need her to occupy herself the longest. Sometimes, I let her choose the “toddler tote/bag”.
Getting toddlers to entertain themselves for short amounts of time is possible. Once it is complete, you will be glad you invested the time in training.

*** I have to remember that The Lord gave me my children and wants me to educate them. They are not an interruption but a blessing. I pray, ask for wisdom, SMILE, and do the next thing – Love my children as Christ loves me.