I love “crippling” and “historic” snow events as much as the next person, so I have high hopes for the season. No, scratch that, I love crippling snow events MORE than the next person because I get to experience them with my toddler!
Sharing this winter wonderland with my child guarantees 24 hours of unbridled wonder and pure, awesome joy.
Also, migraines.
It is a little known fact that toddlers are the most dynamic company one can have when escape from your home is not an option. Stockholm syndrome may or may not have something to do with this. Still, forced confinement with a person too young to control their own bowels requires a special brand of finesse.
With that in mind I’ve prepared a handy list of things to do with your toddler while you’re snowbound. My hope is that this list of wholesome winter indoor activities for toddlers will inspire you to make this the best day EVER!
Winter Indoor Activities for Toddlers:
1. Unroll all the toilet paper in your house. Now enjoy an interpretive dance party with your toddler using the toilet paper for streamers. Don’t phone it in, your toddler knows what good dancing looks like. Make like the color guard and smile!
2. Use the toilet paper you just dumped all over your floor to make a snowflake craft for toddlers. Don’t worry about it looking much like a real snowflake, your toddler won’t know the difference.
3. Prepare a healthy breakfast. Sit back and watch in awe and affection as your toddler throws it on the floor and wipes it through his hair.
4. Watch Daniel Tiger closely to analyze when and why various characters are or are not wearing pants.
5. Open and then slam closed every drawer in your house repeatedly. Toddlers effortlessly see the magic in this. Why can’t you?
6. Eat yogurt with your baby using your hands as spoons. This is messy and gross but also promotes bonding and nutrition. Remember: winter activities for toddlers need not be fancy.
7. Repeat steps 1-6, but substitute goldfish crackers for yogurt. Too much dairy can ruin the magic.
8. Watch Calliou with the sound as low as possible so as not to hear his whiny little voice. Mentally transport yourself to a quiet space where Calliou does not exist. Allow yourself to fall asleep with your eyes open while your toddler learns horribly annoying behaviors from Calliou. Sure you will pay later, but you can rest now.
9. Fold some laundry so that your toddler can unfold it immediately. Repeat. Stop after the unfolding of the previously folded laundry has frayed your last nerve. It is time to switch tasks.
10. Press your nose against the window. Harder. Harder. Your toddler will think this is funny. Toddlers are simple.
11. Drop tampons one by one into the toilet bowl and watch them expand alongside your amazed toddler. You will be looking into a body of water, so it will almost be like you’re at the beach. Also, I believe this counts as a “winter sensory activity for toddlers” which falls under the STEM category of learning.
12. Make your own play snow. Just kidding, why would you want to do that?? There is a ton of real snow right outside, remember? (But in case you do want to actually make your own play snow, you can check out this resource).
13. Curse Elsa.
This list should get you to approximately 9:15 a.m. The rest of the day is WIIIIIDE open.
What else we got people???
I grabbed a box of tissues from work… Gonna let her have at it!
Bonnie I am doing the same thing post-nap! I think it will be a big hit!
Do you know how some people throw their little ones into a swimming pool, to see if they will instinctively take to swimming? How about doing the same thing, during this blizzard? You may find your child instinctively can shovel or clean off your car. And, they get some fresh air and new skills. Win-Win.
That is a really smart idea LP! I have *some* minor reservations about social service involvement with this tactic. But I DO l like a nicely shoveled walkway, and I certainly don’t feel like doing it, so…..
We are currently rummaging through the recycling!
Family AND environmentally friendly. Win win!
Your house sounds like a blast! And also kind of like a club I once went to in Cancun for Spring Break….
So far we’ve allowed Oreos for breakfast and drinking the rest of my drink. Oh, and somehow there is actual snow accumulation INSIDE of our house. How on earth did it get inside? I don’t know if we survive this day, quite honestly.
IN your house? Really? That is AWESOME! It gives you such a unique opportunity for an indoor snowman. Jealous!
OH NO WE ONLY HAVE ONE ROLL OF TOILET PAPER LEFT, I KNEW THERE WAS A REASON EVERYONE WAS STAMPEDING TO THE GROCERY STORES! TP FOR THEIR TODDLERS!
PS I was serious, we really do only have 1 roll left. and a fussy kid. we may resort to a 12 hour bath since he loves running water.
oooh I would panic with one roll. No joke. I need to have 3 rolls near me at all times or I lose it mentally.
Two words: underwear drawer. My 18 month old is entertained forever (ok well ten minutes but that’s forever in toddler world) by the chance to put my underwear on and off of his head. Bonus points if the sock drawer is involved.
We just tried this! It was a success. Nolan didn’t seem to want the underwear on his head, and I didn’t force the issue because I can see that coming up in therapy down the road if I did. BUT he loved tossing the undies around him like he was in a one man ticker tape parade. Thanks for the tip!
The good time will come if you lose electricity…….then the fun will really begin!
you are too funny…….says me from sunny north Florida! Shall I ship you some more TP?!
I’d really appreciate that, thanks.
My 17 month old had a blast sorting all my pantyliners, pads and tampons. She was making little houses made of pads & tampons. Occupied her for a good 25 minutes.
I didn’t have any regular pads on hand so I went with nursing pads. Nolan didn’t take to them. It’s like he knew I was offering him the runners-up.