Expectations and Playtime
Does your toddler get bored with one toy or activity too quickly?
It can be frustrating for any caregiver AND toddler. Due to their level of brain maturation, toddlers have a very short attention span!
The good news is that you can support your toddler in expanding their attention span by setting up an activity that activates multiple senses.
When your toddler is using more than one sense (smell, taste, sight, touch, hear) they are likely to be more engaged in the activity for longer.
It can be as simple as turning on music during an activity, adding essential oils or spices to play dough or filling up the sink to wash toys or dishes with some bubbles. 
Let's look at a few more examples:
1. SENSORY BINS
Fill them with water beads, rice, marbles (something that's age-appropriate and safe to play with) and add in some mini figurines! Have them close their eyes and feel around to find the treasures. For the older kiddos, give them a stack of flashcards with an image of the object that’s buried. Have them rummage around to find the one that matches. P.S. This can also be done in a bubble bath for the littles by hiding bath toys in the suds!
2. TASTE AND SEE
Have your toddler help whip up a simple recipe that she enjoys eating. Head over to the spice cabinet and take out a few different spices for your LO to smell, feel, and add to the food to taste test (if she feels daring enough!) This can be a great way to help your toddler experiment with taste on her own terms and learn about smell and texture.
3. WHICH SENSE IS IT?
Bring your toddler outside or to an open window (weather permitting). Start by having her close her eyes and telling you 3 things that she HEARS (chirping, honking, rain). Now, ask her if she can SEE where those sounds are coming from (the bird, the car, the clouds). This also teaches her how to be aware of her surroundings and identify what certain things are around her. She might get stuck on communicating what the sounds or sights are so you can step in with some prompts by saying out loud what you notice "Look at that bird over there. It's red. Can you find another bird?".
Have you ever tried one of these? Does it work for your LO?!
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