Two year old children are becoming more assertive. They are beginning to exhibit a desire for independence, along with a continued need for parental approval. Toddlers will often test their limits in an effort to continue to develop their skills.
They can now speak in short sentences, and are able to vocalize what they want or need. By the time they reach 24 months, they are also able to understand simple abstract concepts. While they may not understand what the phrase next month means yet, they can ask for a later bedtime and even answer simple questions about the day.
Toddlers can arrange their toys by color, shape and size, along with plenty of energy to keep them playing for hours. The best toys for 2 year olds will not only help to keep toddlers occupied, but also help to challenge and develop their growing minds.
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Energetic Toys for Toddlers
Two year old children have a lot of pent of energy, and can play for hours without taking a break. Ride on toys that they can push themselves around on are a great way to channel some of the energy. Many of these toys are in the shapes of animals which also lets children engage their creative side in role playing. The wheeled toys should be well balanced, and a storage compartment is an added bonus.
Other energetic toys for toddlers include balls and percussion instruments. Balls are probably already a familiar toy with most 2 year olds, and now that their coordination has developed they are even more fun. Soft foam balls can be used to play catch and toss across short distances, and parents can even set up small goal nets out of waste paper baskets.
Percussion instruments such as toy tambourines, drum sticks, and even plastic flutes can keep a busy two year occupied for hours. Children at this age love to sing and dance, and small instruments can let them burn off excess energy while also helping them to develop certain motor and auditory skills. It is a good idea for parents to also let their toddlers listen to a wide variety of music to keep the toys interesting and fun.
Creative Toddler Toys
Art supplies like washable markers, crayons, and paint are ideal for creative toddlers. These art supplies are made for their little hands, and can help them to develop certain skills. Let them indulge their creative side and see what they can do. Other ideas for these toys include having them draw simple items and decorate cards for close family members.
Toddlers love to emulate the adults in their lives and some toys can help them to do this. Old adult sized clothes for dressing up can let them indulge their fantasies about adult life, and help them to develop their social skills. Two year olds love seeing themselves in different costumes, so it is best to have a variety of different dress up clothes.
Other toys that let two year old children engage their creative sides include construction toys and child sized play house sets. Larger blocks can be snapped together by small hands, and let the child experiment with different shapes and sizes. Bright colored blocks work best for toddlers, and will give them hundreds of ideas for play.
Since toddlers love to play at being an adult, play houses are ideal for hosting make believe tea parties. Child sized dishes, chairs and a table can all help small children develop the social skills they will need later in life. Play houses and other creative toys are an excellent way for toddlers to continue to develop the skills that will be necessary to succeed later in life.
Puzzles for Toddlers
There are several different kinds of puzzles for toddlers that can help improve memory function and other cognitive skills. Simple picture matching games, and nesting dolls are excellent examples of puzzles for two year olds. As their dexterity continues to develop, toys that include snaps, buttons, and even shoe laces can also be introduced to toddlers.
It is important to remember to look for toys that will be entertain and educate a toddler. It is an important time in their development, and the toys they play with should engage and challenge them.