Loving Valentines Toddler Activities

You will know that with toddlers' short attention spans they're very likely to get bored with being told exactly what to do card after card. Most toddlers have a yearning for independence so they feel frustrated when they have to wait while you do part of it because it's too tricky, or because they'd make too much mess.

There's the opposite dilemma too, which I experienced today, when a couple of toddlers were so involved and interested that they didn't want to stop making their card. The result was almost a hole in the card from the felt tip pen (marker) being used to colour in the same place repeatedly, and another heart was being drenched in paint.

The appropriate reaction depends on your aim. What reaction gives a correct translation of that symbol of love? I found the best solution was to have spare paper handy as well as plenty of time for toddlers to carry on their creative stint to their hearts' content.

Ok, onward to the ideas of Valentines toddler activities you came for:

Variations on a toddler-friendly Valentines Day card

1. Prepare a hand-drawn and cut-out heart a little smaller than A5 sized white card (card stock). I like to fold the piece of card in half, draw half of a heart (with the fold becoming the centre of the heart shape), cut along the line I've drawn while still folded, then when I unfold it there's a heart with both sides the same. You can use that heart as a template to draw around for further hearts.
2. Ideally prepare two forms of art media or techniques. Preferably compatible ones since they may like to use both. Some ideas include red and/or pink:

• collage pieces such as a variety of cut-up paper, art feathers, pipe cleaners, foam shapes and glitter
• paint, using a paint brush or fingers
• Heart printing, cut out of potato or sponge
• Chalk, crayon, pencils or felt tips (markers)

3. Red is one of the worst colours for staining things so if you're using paint place a highchair splash mat or newspaper on the floor. If you use your dining room or kitchen table, a plastic table cloth for art activities is worth getting and will serve you well for years. Also a flannel (wash cloth) and a bowl of warm soapy water comes in handy as is spare paper, as mentioned earlier.
4. Pop an apron or old clothes on your toddler and invite him to the prepared area if he's not already trying to dive in head first :-)
5. Give your toddler a choice of what he wants to do on his Valentines Card. It would help his confidence over the long-term if you refrain from commenting on his choice. Even if it's praise, it can make him feel nervous about making another decision as he wants to make the 'right' choice to please you.
6. When finished, clean him and the area up and let him play while you leave the heart to dry.
7. If the card's being sent by post (mail) stick it on folded card (card stock) and skip the next step.
8. If it's being handed out, cut out small strips of card (card stock). Place two strips at a right angle to each other and fold one on top of the other alternately to create a 1-2 inch spring. Create three of these. When the heart is dry, attach it to folded card (card stock) with the springs behind the heart using tape.
9. I like to let toddlers do a little colouring inside a card to 'sign their name' as well as writing in it too.

If your toddler doesn't like (or is not ready for) art you could make a lovely photo of your child or family into a Valentines Day card.

I believe that creative freedom is often under-rated even in toddler activities. Sometimes I think we need to love enough to let go. Does it matter if the finished product is not how we would like it to be?

Giving your child a Valentines gift of your time and undivided attention during his choice of toddler activities as simple or varied as they may be, is a wonderful celebration of the day. You could embrace the spirit of Valentines Day by letting your child know that you'll love them no matter what they do or say.

Your love could also be shared through showing respect for who he is and gratitude for how he has enhanced your life. You could write out specific compliments and positive statements on strips of paper or card (card stock) and place them in a jar, basket or bowl. A lovely Valentines toddler activity is to let your little one pick one out and you read it.

An older, verbal toddler could help you make one about their other parent, a grandparent or carer. Ask your child what they like about that person, what makes them laugh or smile, what they like doing with them etc.

A cute little toddler activity that shows some love is kissing your toddler all over. Lovely tickly fun!

Live, love, laugh and be happy! :-)

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