This game can be easily adapted to suit even the smallest children. Games at this age should be simple, fast and use words from the world around them that they are beginning to recognize. Start by saying you are going to play a game, and that they need to do as you say. Use simple tasks and language at first like “hands on head”. Little ones love the repetition in.

“Who loves Jane?” asks your little one’s storybook, and the answers are as varied as the photographs in this easy-to-make set of story cards. Little ones are beginning to understand different emotions right now, even if they can’t quite verbalise them, but one they really understand is the feeling of loving someone or something else! This is obvious as you start to notice how they attach from week to week.

The concept of “magic” and making things disappear is of great interest to your little one right now. Encourage this enjoyment by playing a magic “hide and seek” game with their favourite toys. Start by finding a toy small enough to fit into your hand. Let your little one see the toy in your hand, or let them hold and play with it for a few minutes before taking it.

This is an easy version of pass the parcel except bigger! Collect a variety of boxes that will nest one inside another. Cardboard boxes are good for this playtime. Try to get very large boxes and very small boxes, as well as everything in between. Place a favourite toy or treat in the smallest box for your child to find at the end of the game. Close the small box.

It might seem that your little one has a never-ending supply of energy and enthusiasm, so have fun together in this structured exercise routine! Play some fun, rhythmic music and announce that it’s “exercise time” before you begin. Let your child mirror your simple bending and stretching movements like these: put your hands on your head, touch the floor (well, at least she will!), shake your hands way up high.

Maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing a big pile of dirt, or maybe it’s simply a natural desire to help – whatever the reason, most small children are crazy about sweeping, so give yours a diminutive broom or push mop and a dustpan and brush. He’ll have a great time using it, and your floor might even get clean in the process. This is a good activity to help develop.

An all-time favourite, the humble ball of coloured modelling dough can be made in your very own kitchen. You can never have too much of this wonderful stuff, so here you go! You will need: 4 cups of flour 1 cup of salt 1/2 cup of water with a tiny drop of food colouring (optional) 4 tablespoons of oil 1/2 cup of cream of tartar Simply combine all the ingredients.

Using ice in play for little ones is not just for hot days! Some of the most important playtime little ones can have is tactile and sensory, where how things feel teaches them a lot about the world around them (and it’s loads of fun as well!). You’ll need: Food colouring, an ice tray, water jug, a freezer and paper. First take a jug of water and pour some water.

Investing in a wide selection of stickers to be stored in your car, handbag, changing bag and anywhere else you can think of, is a great idea! A fussing toddler can be kept distracted for more than five minutes with a packet of stickers, as the simple act of trying to peel them off requires concentration while calm is restored. Simple block stickers used in the office are great, as.

A few months back, when baby was a bump, you had that dream of spending Christmas with your loved ones as they gaze adoringly at your little one and insist that you sit by the log fire while they take care of everything. Then the bump becomes your little bundle of joy, bringing sleepless nights, lots of laundry, a wardrobe full of clothes that don’t fit anymore. You begin to.