Pinterest is extremely inspiring when it comes to different toddler activities. I have pinned a ton, and I couldn’t wait to try them out. Last week, on a rainy day I decided it was the perfect day to try out some indoor fun. I was super excited to get a reaction from my son, only to find that he pretty much could’ve cared less about any of the activities I set out for him….What the hell is that about?
We were bored in the morning so I thought it would be fun to play with some cooked spaghetti. A perfect sensory activity right? The blog Play Create Explore gave me the idea, and it made it sound so fun. I thought he would love getting his hands in there and making a mess. Well I was wrong. He put his hands in the bowl, made an awful face, and moved on. Booooo
Ok, I should’ve known better because he has never liked touching pasta when it came to eating it. So in the afternoon I decided to move on to pots filled with water and bubbles. Who wouldn’t love that? I gave him cups to scoop up the water with, and let him have at it. Who cared if there’s a mess!! He put his hands in…played for a second (enough for me to snap this picture), and he was done. DONE!? Seriously? I thought at least I’d get 5 minutes at this activity. I gave him free range to make a mess and he didn’t take it. What kid does that?
So now what? I wish I could just find something he loves to do. He doesn’t get excited for long about much. Do I keep trying? Will he learn to like these activities? Is he just too young? I have the privilege of staying home with my son every day, and I believe I have to offer him more than TV each day. I want and need to teach him things. That’s my job as his mom….so how do I do that?
The one minute of interaction he had is often times all you will see when it comes to some sensory related activities, especially at his age. Continue to over him opportunities to explore, as he grows older & his curiosity grows you will see him more interested in activities. Though you may find he enjoys being active outside or playing more interesting than sensory play activities like these. Or cut & paste or sand play. It differs from child to child.
The best you can do is offer him the chance to explore and you are doing that. Even one minute of play can enrich his day to day learning.
Re:Play at Home-they have a few blog posts about how their children sometimes show very little interest in activities. It is very hit or miss. I know it is with my children.