What Does Simplicity Mean To You When Talking About Your Toddler?

I want to start with asking you a question… What does simplicity mean to you when talking about your toddler? The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “the fact that something is easy to understand or do.” However, many people can sometimes overlook the importance of simplicity. They might think it is ‘too simple’ ‘plain’ or ‘not good enough’.

From a toddler's point of view, simplicity is one of the few key components in supporting and preparing a toddler for their future. It allows a toddler to clarify the world around them and through removing unnecessary obstacles in their way they will then gain confidence and grow and develop to their full potential. If an adult can focus on the child’s core, they can then start to distinguish what is essential and what is superfluous. The key to simplicity is conquering one's self esteem and confidence.

To begin with, one must look at the child’s environment and try and view it through the eyes of a child…. What can they see? Is the room that they play in too full with toys? Can they reach and access all their toys? Are they attracted to a particular toy or are they overwhelmed and bored with what they are playing with?

As adults, we find a messy room challenging and sometimes, stressful. The bed is not made, the washing isn’t done … Many people have no idea where to start and how to begin to tidy a room. Often people need to musta up the energy to start tidying and ordering their environment.

However, we must remember that toddlers are only starting their lives and and they only two years old so

• They have not yet learnt how to order the environment around them

• They do not know how to tidy because they are still learning how to concentrate

• They have no idea where to start or what to do next.

Tips4Toddlers - A Guide to simplifying and enriching your child’s environment

1. Less is More. By having less toys, children have the chance to play with what they have. By organising the toys a logical way it all allows children to develop their concentration, independence and the love of the environment. They will learn where their toys belong and therefore be able to access them before tidying up after themselves.

2. Access. Implement low shelving and storage in your home. This will allow your child to develop their independence as it will allow them to access and find toys on their own accord instead of asking for help.

3. Rotate. Design a toy rotation system in your home. Rotate the toys every couple of weeks and by doing this it will spark a new interest in your child. Follow your child’s cues and see how long they tend to focus on activities. Depending on what your child likes to play with depends on what toy you put out next. It might be worth keeping a few toys out permanently.

4. Throw away broken toys and resources. If a toy is broken or the puzzle is incomplete throw it away as the child needs to be set up for success not failure. For example, if you give a child a puzzle to do, they sit down and focus on it for up to 10 minutes then realise that the puzzle is missing a piece. How do you think that child feels? Annoyed and frustrated? Rightfully so! Instead set them up for success, give them resources that they can complete then watch and see them grow in confidence and pride!

5. Choose toys to engage rather than entertain. Invite your toddler to explore the world around them using their senses. Seek out toys that are open ended and that are challenging. Allow them to take risks and engage them by learning through trial and error and by doing that you will see your child

• Show great satisfaction in meeting their own goals

• They will be proud of what they have accomplished

• They will enjoy meeting challenges for their own sake rather than external rewards or praise.

Blocks, natural materials, puzzles, water play, books, games sorting objects and role play scenarios are a few ways you can implement a fun and engaging environment for your toddler.

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Photo byFaye CornishonUnsplash