Busy Toddler Praise Games and Ideas

Being a first time Mom, these ideas have been a great tool in helping me encourage my daughter and create a special bond between the two of us, so I thought I would share them with you.  

Too often parents focus on the bad things children do, while letting the good go unnoticed.  Here is a simple way to reinforce and reward cooperation and kindness.

You will need:
A pack of plastic monkey links for this.

Hang a plastic monkey on the wall in a place where you can add more monkeys to make a chain.  When you catch your child being especially kind and cooperative (that is, playing quietly with siblings, helping out without being asked, picking up toys without being reminded, and so on), reward her with a monkey to add to the chain. When the last monkey is hung, treat the whole family to an ice-cream sundae, DVD rental or special afternoon of games.

People Blocks


I don't know any child who doesn't love building blocks.  My daughter is always building castles.  What better way than to use pictures of her family members to make it more interesting and fun.

You will need:
Pictures of family members
Clear contact paper
Rectangular wooden blocks or clean empty food cans

Use clear contact paper to attach photographs of your family to blocks or clean empty food cans.  Your child will love building structures with her people blocks.

Make snack time fun with Rudolf sandwiches.  I remember making these when I was in Kindergarten.  Fun to make and fun to eat!

You will need:
Sliced bread
Peanut butter
Pretzels
Raisins
Maraschino cherries

Cut a slice of bread into a triangle shape.  Spread the triangle with peanut butter (or use jam, honey, or cream cheese according to your child's preference). Add pretzels for antlers, raisins for eyes, and a bright red maraschino cherry for Rudolf's nose.

Have fun with your kids and make memories that last.  They grow up way too fast!

Photo Credit © Renata Osińska | Dreamstime.com