What’s growing now
Toddlers are exploding with language, which fuels planning, following rules, and talking about feelings. Using both home languages supports these skills.
Play ideas that work
- Active start-and-stop games
Freeze Dance, Ring Around the Rosie, and “Motorboat” invite movement, pausing, and starting again. Expect reminders — stopping is a learned skill. - Follow the Leader
Imitate one simple movement at a time. Switch leaders often so your toddler practices watching, remembering, and taking turns. - Sorting with a twist
First sort by color. Then play a silly rule like “small shapes go in the big bucket.” This nudges flexible thinking and inhibition. - Tiny puzzles and “where does it go” talk
Ask what piece they need and where it might fit. You are coaching planning and problem solving without doing it for them. - Everyday pretend
“Cooking,” sweeping, feeding a doll — let your toddler direct you. Giving you a role builds their own self-regulation and story skills.
Sensory-friendly tips
- Offer movement first, then a short seated task.
- Use clear visuals, one-step directions, and familiar routines.
- Keep pretend props simple and sturdy.
When to reach out
If your toddler struggles to pause even briefly, follows almost no simple directions after lots of practice, or cannot tolerate tiny changes, we can help you build a plan that fits your child.
References: Ideas adapted from the Center on the Developing Child’s toddler activity pages on active games, conversation and storytelling, matching and sorting, and early pretend play.