20 Ways For Toddlers to Reach Maximum Effort

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

20 Ways For Toddlers to Reach Maximum Effort

Over and over again, I have seen parents complain about their toddlers not wanting to sit still or play with toys. Many lament the fact that they seem too busy to focus on much of anything. And, over and over again I remind them that toddlers are meant to move! 

 

We cannot underestimate the need to exert maximum effort for toddlers. They are working so hard to develop all their muscles that they often can't stop. Their inner drive to move just overpowers them. I still see this with Nora now, even though she's rapidly closing in on 2-years-old. She still needs opportunities to reach maximum effort and just do heavy work in general.

So, what are some ways that toddlers can exert maximum effort? Here are a few easy ones -- 

  1. Carrying around large purse or backpack
  2. Using large foam blocks
  3. Walking over pillows
  4. Move a bucket of water
  5. Pushing a loaded laundry basket
  6. Small weights 
  7. Carrying couch cushions or large pillows
  8. Catch with a super large ball 
  9. Pushing/Pulling a weighted wagon 
  10. Dumping a bucket of sand
  11. Scooping gravel
  12. Carrying a cardboard box
  13. Climbing a slide 
  14. Weighted Jugs
  15. Loading books in and out of basket or box
  16. Over-sized Pouring -- large watering can or ball drop 
  17. Climbing a Pickler Triangle 
  18. Carrying objects up stairs
  19. Using a pulley
  20. Loading larger rocks into container -- dump truck, bucket, wagon or wheel barrow