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Here is an idea for play while you are waiting for the doctor or other waiting room experiences.

Use an old wallet and fill it with different things that your child can find as they search through it.
*Keep the fake credit cards that come in the mail.
*Write your child a small letter and stick it in a compartment.
*Use old wallet size photos or cut photos to the size that will fit.
*Find flat objects, medals, coin chips.
*Put in fake money.
*Cut out and laminate pictures of their favorite characters.

While I do not believe in flashcards, they worked well in the wallet. They used them for other games and not as rote memory drills...
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Keep this away from your regular toys so that it is new to them in the waiting room. Give them the wallet and let them open, close, and take out everything. You can talk about the things they find or just let them explore it. It will be a large challenge for toddler to put things back into the right places because it requires good fine motor skills. Be prepared to help with this.

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How do you decide who is first??

As kids get older, suddenly who is FIRST matters.
Here is a short list of ideas for picking who is first.
Have any to add?

Coin toss
Which hand is holding the coin?
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Draw the High Card
Draw the Low Card
Count off
Pick a Number
Dice Toss High / Low
Draw Straws

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Rotating Toys 06/14/2009
 

BONUS Activity!!

Rotating Toys

Go Have you ever tried to sell your childs old toys? As soon as you take out the toys they haven't seen in a long time, they become interested again. This actually works with toys they see everyday too. Just move them to the middle of the room and talk about them for a few minutes and interest is renewed.

Well, put this to work for yourself. Put a portion of your childs toys away in a closet or in plastic bins and store them out of sight for awhile. Rotate new toys in every few weeks and take some out.

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Yep chores! You and I may hate chores but your kids haven't had the time to build up that kind of feeling. It is all new to them. Sit down and think of all the chores your children can help out with. I tell my kids they are their jobs and they love it! These are just a start to the endless ways to have your child help out!

Toddler:
Pet:
Feeds the cat three scoops of food.
Eating:
Helps to set the table by bringing the plates, bowls, spoons, cups to the table (not normally in the right place but closer than the cupboard!)
Helps clean under the table after we eat with the dust buster.
Sidenote: The dust buster is one of the best inventions EVER!!
After we eat she brings plastic empty plates, bowls and puts them in the sink.
She can throw wrappers in trash, cans or bottles into the recycling.
She will forever try to put spoons into the right place in the dishwasher, I put in the forks and knives right before I close the dishwasher and lock it.
Diapers:
She can get a new diaper and bring it to me, then throw the other one away after I wrap

Preschooler:
He can do all the same chores as my toddler but we add some more...
He can open and close the refrigerator, so he is in charge of bringing condiments to the table.
He can scrap food into the garbage before he puts the plate or bowl into the sink.
He loves to fold the wash cloths while I fold laundry.
He likes to match up socks in the laundry as well.

The possibilities are endless...

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