| The children who enjoy life the most are the ones | | | | people in the world besides themselves. A child who |
| who have learnt to recognise the pleasure in the | | | | sees life as an adventure will not only enjoy life more |
| current situation. Those who are constantly striving | | | | but they will build up experiences that they can draw |
| for the next thing will never be satisfied. As parents | | | | on in the future in all sorts of situations. |
| we need to show our children how to enjoy life. | | | | There are so many fun times that you can share |
| Take your time over things; don't always talk about | | | | with your child. For specific toy and play ideas see |
| what is going to happen tomorrow or next week. | | | | my fact sheet on 'Playing with your pre-school child'. |
| Allow your child to explore the things around them, | | | | Remember also that there are a lot of items in your |
| remember, the best things in life are free! | | | | home that will keep your toddler happy safely. When |
| When you take your child out for walks or visits to | | | | l was busy at home in the kitchen and my toddlers |
| the park in autumn, show them the leaves falling off | | | | used to seek my attention l would sometimes give |
| the trees, and take the opportunity to explain why. | | | | them safe saucepans and wooden spoons, they |
| Discuss the different types of trees, if you don't | | | | would happily sit on the floor pretending to cook or |
| know them - find out! Maybe it will help you to | | | | using them as drums! Try to shut out the noise, it is |
| appreciate life more too! | | | | the sound of your child experimenting and having fun! |
| Show an interest in what your child is doing and talk | | | | Surely it is better than the sound of crying. |
| to them about what you are doing also, encourage | | | | On a hot day, put a small bowl of water outside (in |
| them to ask questions, you might just be washing | | | | the shade) give them spoons again and plastic bowls |
| up, but use everything you do as a learning | | | | or beakers and watch them play for hours. Allow |
| opportunity. Why are you washing up? Please resist | | | | them to get wet, it really doesn't matter. Please |
| the urge to say 'Because no one else will'! | | | | remember also to supervise children at all times when |
| Help your child to develop their thinking and let them | | | | playing with or around water. |
| help you; they need to know that there are other | | | | |