As a seasoned teacher and homeschooling Mom of 4, I have certainly learned a thing or two about educational toys for toddlers! Which ones are really worth the investment? Which ones really get used and played with? Which ones stand the test of time?
I am so glad you asked! As you might know, I am a huge proponent of play based learning. My preschool curriculum, Play into Kindergarten Readiness, allows you to cover all of the preschool skills with only 20 minutes a day which allows ample time for child-led learning and engaging play. This is where the true learning happens!
So I have three suggestions for you. First of all, grab the Playful Days Toddler Program so you can have one fabulous and beautiful activity to enjoy with your toddler each and every day.
Secondly, grab a free activity to help break up those long days at home with a toddler! These rainbow puzzles and activities are so much fun:
And third, choose a few of the toys below (I have provided my amazon affiliate links for your convenience) or keep your eyes out for them at thrift stores and garage sales, and make your home an educational haven where purposeful play happens naturally.
Here are my top picks for educational toys for toddlers:
Chunky Wooden Lacing Beads: These lacing beads are ideal for small, chubby hands to hold. They build hand-eye coordination, hand dexterity, and fine motor skills as children work hard to thread those beads onto the string. You can also substitute the string for a pipecleaner to make that task a little simpler at first. These same beads can be used for math play as you sort by colour, count, and stack!
Wooden Play Food: Imaginative play is very important for young children. Toddlers are constantly copying and modeling the adults in their lives. It is through imaginative play that children make sense of the world around them. By playing pretend, children strengthen and grow their vocabularies and problem solving skills, as well as build creativity and independence. A good set of play food is ideal for toddlers, as they can create their own meals, wash the dishes, and do so much more. Our set of wooden play food has lasted 19 years!
Imaginative Play Toys (Dust, sweep mop): If your child is particularly keen on imaginative play, you might even choose to purchase some imaginative play sets, such as this ‘Dust, Sweep, Mop’ set. My children have gotten hours and hours of play with this set. It is ideal for imaginative play, but can also be used for educational games and activities. For example, we cut squares of paper and write my child’s name letters on them, drop them on the ground, and have little ones sweep them up in letter order, spelling their name.
Chunky ABC puzzle: A good ABC puzzle, with very sturdy letters is an ideal educational toy for toddlers. These puzzle can of course be used as a puzzle, but more importantly the letters can be taken out and used again and again for educational games and activities. You can pull out just the letters you are using (focusing on teaching letters in that very special order that promotes letter recognition) and use them in sensory bins, for tracing, or to pop them in a sock and play ‘guess the letter’.
Wooden Building Blocks: Another educational toys for toddlers I highly recommend is a set of wooden building blocks. You can make these yourself, if you are handy, by using a 2×4, saw and some sandpaper. Playing with blocks allows children to practice all sorts of deep math and science concepts. Children begin to understand fractions, stability, spatial sense, and more as they build and knock down tours. The blocks can also be used for measurement, counting, and creating pictures.
Pipettes: These handy little water squirting tools are so, so, so wonderful for strengthening little hand muscles! These are perfect for popping in the bath with your toddler and allowing them to squirt the bath water or try to fill a cup using the pipettes. They are also fun to use in art projects, allowing children to squirt some watered down paint and create masterpieces. Pipettes are also ideal for playing in the kitchen sink as you are making dinner!
Fisher Price Little People and Animals: Toddlers tend to have a lot of big feelings to work out. When we think of our little ones typical day, they are often full of rules, places to go, people to see, activities to do, and also places we can’t go, people we can’t see, and activities we can’t do! Providing little ones with imaginative people and animals, and some quiet time time and space to play, provides them with an opportunity to think and work through some of the issues they have experienced throughout their day. You might just hear your little one chatting about two characters who need to share, or who want to head to the park but it’s raining. The power of quiet space for toddlers really can’t be overstated.
Playdough tools: Arm yourself with a batch of my easiest ever no-cook playdough and a few playdough tools and you are set to save any rainy day! Not only is playing with playdough sort of like that magical flute charming the snakes, it is also completely full of learning. Sensory play is important for toddlers as it allows them to experience new sensations, mold and manipulate materials, and build important skills. Sensory play is also a wonderful way to build vocabulary! Maybe the playdough feels cold, or smooth. Perhaps your little one will cut the playdough in half, or in thirds. It is amazing how much vocabulary can develop through play.
Wooden balance beam: This is the only item on my educational toys for toddlers list that we do not own. We have actually made a similar version ourselves, which you can check out here: DIY Building Blocks. Having big, heavy blocks or toys is a wonderful idea for toddlers. This is perfect for ‘heavy work’ and really allows children to build those gross motor skills, and more. Big heavy building blocks, or long pieces of wood for a balance beam, are ideal for children to move and manipulate, as well as stand, climb, and balance on.
Car set: The final educational toy for toddlers that I wanted to mention was a simple car set – or any sturdy toys that have wheels. There is a lot to be learned from pushing a little car around! Children can learn about speed and how inclined planes and ramps work. They can learn that the steeper a ramp is, the faster the car goes, as well as learning what happens when that car meets an obstacle. Little cars are also ideal for practicing lots of educational activities. You can pop some painters tape on the ground to make a road, drop off the letters of a name, and have your little one gather them up and place them in order to spell his or her name.
And there you have it! Some classic educational toys for toddlers that are full of learning, fun, and child-led play that are grow right along with your little one for years to come.
They couple with my Toddler Program beautifully! So do be sure to check that out right here: Playful Days!
One, 20 minute play based activity a day, and you have completed preschool!
I hope this post is helpful to you. And do remember, you don’t need to fill your home with everything on this list! Choose one or two items to be on the hunt for, and focus on the IDEA behind the toy. There are tons of items that are ideal for stacking, or sorting. You can use yogurt containers for stacking, and turkey basters for strengthening little hands.
It is not the toy or material that matters, as is our intention behind it. Being mindful about what we provide for our little ones is a very enriching way to ensure our children are nurtured and set to soar!
Thank you so much for reading,
xo
Sarah
Kindness is when you always go out of your way to help someone and do what’s best for them. Especially children in my classroom we always learn new ways to be kind to one another. They love when they’re friends are happy.
So true, Sara! Thank you!
I will be kind by making sure my students have the BEST last week of elementary school ever. I will ensure to model to my students HOW to be kind.
This week I am also volunteering at a senior citizen home to help with their field trip.
Lovely, Hannah. Thank you!
I will be kind by baking cookies and taking them for a visit with an elderly neighbor.
This is lovely, Susan. Thank you!
What a nice article..very helpful. This week I’m going to help someone organize their home (it’s to the point she’s immobilizd bythe clutter)
Oh a huge undertaking, Mary, but what a difference you will make! Thank you!
This is the best list of recommendations for toddler toys I have ever seen! These are SO good!
Wahooo! Thank you so much, Sabrina! xo
Act of kindness.
I volunteered to watch my 2 mo old and 2.5 yr old granddaughters one day this week to give their parents a breaking from parenting and just be themselves.
What a lovely thing to do, Deanna! Thank you!
Love these! For kindness, I am planning on helping a friend who has retired clean out her classroom and move her things to her house. It will be a sad day, but hopefully joyful as well.
Oh bittersweet for sure, but how lovely you will be there with her. xo
My class and I will show kindness this week by putting posters on the classroom doors that say why each of our teachers is so wonderful!
Isn’t this lovely, Heidi! Thank you!!
*Kindness*
This week I’ll be buying my daughter’s ballet teachers all coffees to thank them for all their hard work this year. I love how we’ve all worked together to persevere through these last few years!
It is so true, Erica! What a lovely act of kindness. Thank you!
What a magically playful world you create for children with all your ideas!
I will be spreading kindness by spending time with my elderly mother and helping her take care of friends and relatives graves this week.
Thank you for this special act of kindness, Pebble!
Wonderful assortment of toys for toddlers
Thank you, Donna!
This week as a random act of kindness, I will mow my neighbors grass and plant some flowers in the neighborhood.
What lovely things to do, Kathy! Thank you!
An example of a recent act of kindness: an elderly man was searching for coffee at the grocery store. He was struggling to see the bottom shelf. I stopped and offered to help. I knelt down and searched for his preferred coffee.
This is perfect, Melanie. It is the little things that truly make a huge difference. xo
I like to compliment strangers when I’m shopping, it always make their day. I’m teaching in PK3’s next year and would love this give away for my classroom!
Wonderful Kris, what a lovely thing to do! xo
I am going to help a friend by planting her, her own garden.
Yes! Love this one Brittanee! It is the gift that keeps on giving.
I will buy food for the person who sits on the corner. I will also pay for the persons order behind me in the drive through line this week.
What lovely acts of kindness, Sonya! Thank you!
Collecting a daily newspaper for an elderly friend in the village 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing! My 3 + 4 year olds have been showing interest and talking a lot about “going to school work!” and I’ve been clueless on how to start them off. Thank you for sharing your time and resources!!!
Oh this is so sweet Amanda! I am so happy my resources can be of help to you. xo
Love these picks! Lots of them are open-ended and can be used in lots of different ways. My kids love their little people playsets, I was so happy to see my 4 year old get into imaginative play with the figures!
And because they’re all so durable, you can donate them to other children to enjoy when yours outgrow them. 🙂
Absolutely, Angie! Thank you for this suggestion!
This is a amazing and it would be such a blessing to have this for my child. Your blog has helped me feel like I can be the best single mom I can for my son. I didn’t start alone in this but with your tools you provide I can help my son grow up with the skills to be anything he wants to be. Thank you. ❤️
What a sweet thing for you to write Marisa! I am sending you lots of love. After I had my first daughter I was a single Mom for 6 years as well. Not an easy road, but I promise, your little one will turn out beautifully. My daughter is now 19 and an incredible soul. xo
I love these ideas! My two young boys and I will spread a little kindness this week by delivering cat and dog treats to the local animal shelter.
What a wonderful thing to do with your little ones, Sally. Thank you!
Trying to get better at doing something kind every day and helping teach my kiddos to do the same. This week we are going to drop off goods and formula at our local “tin for the bin”. I am also hoping to bring my nephew to a little kids fest concert this week for a special treat. Today, the kids and I are going to make cookies to send home with my brother 🙂
I love this, Amy. Thank you!
Helping my sister make a curtain for her camper and washing my mom’s windows
Two very thoughtful acts, Karen. Thank you!
Thank you! I own a childcare preschool and really enjoy your blog! I also love your creativity and suggestions!
Thank you so much Nyla! I am so happy to be of some help. xo
Finding small ways to bring joy or help to those around you
Our act of kindness this week is baking muffins and reaching out to a family friend that recently had a baby.
What a lovely thing for you to do, Sarah!
Making homemade cards to send a hopeful message to family members, since we are stuck at home with Covid! 😩
These toys are awesome! This week I’ll be tending my friends baby girl so she can go on a much needed vacation. My little one is 3 months old, so hopefully it isn’t too overwhelming!
Wow! Very generous of you Taylor! I am sending wishes of a peaceful and happy time for you!
Dog sitting while my friend goes on vacation.
Playing with grandkids while their mom has a spa day.
What lovely things for you to do, Rebecca. Thank you!
I plan to fill our food pantry with some Summer goodies for kids!
This is lovely Jenna. Thank you!
This would be helpful for the autistic children I work with on a daily basis. My children range from age 4-22 but with mental ages much lower. I love working with these kids. I do everything I can to bring them as much joy and normalcy as possible and to help them learn as much as possible.
Thanking those in the community for what they do.
Lovely!
Reinforcing skills with my son like how to share, smiling at others, etc. He started kindergarten summer school on Friday 🙂
This is such important work, Sylvia. Thank you!
Thank you Sarah, for this reminder about kindness, and for all you do to help us with our children and grandchildren! It will be fun to read all of the posts!
This week will make dinner for a family member going through a hard time.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Dorissa. And thank you for your act of kindness. xo
I taught preschool, kindergarten, & a 1-2 gr8. combined class 15 years. Also in a special education severely handicapped room 7 years.
I used most of the toys on the list. The preschool ideas worked very well in the special ed. room. Thanks for the new ideas I find in your emails.
I love the new ideas in the emails. I will use them to help my neighbor when I play with her little ones.
Thank you, Lois!
Wonderful, Lois! Thank you for sharing this with us. This is very helpful to know.
Great toys. Love all your ideas. As a retired teacher wish I had your advice and instructional techniques. Thanks for all you do. Will use these ideas in the schools I volunteer in and with my two grandsons
Thank you so much, Maralee! xo
These are great! As I already have a few of these for my tots, at home. I would love to get more and donate the ones we already have to our church preschool. My eldest daughter and I volunteer in the preschool and nursery twice a month. Several of the mommas already follow your blog because I’m also “wordy” and always have to share your great ideas & products with my fellow church momma friends. ❤️
I have a daycare. And my littles & bigs love to walk & we walk to the retirement area & absolutely love to talk to the people. It always brings joy to the children & adults. It is a guaranteed way to spread joy all around. It is so much fun to hear the conversations they share with each other. It makes my heart so happy. Thank you so much for all the sharing you do. You are making a difference!!
Continuing to teach our little ones to simply smile at people. We never know what people are going through and the smallest gesture can make a big difference.
Starting small but 3 & 1 yo, between that and checking in on loved ones (the 3yos ‘are you okay’ or ‘how’re you doing’ humbles me everytime )
Never underestimate the power of what you are doing, Cass. You are raising world changers!
I love the idea of consciously deciding on an act of kindness. So often, I like to consider myself a kind and helpful person; and it’s true that when situations arise, I try to have my actions reflect that. However, on a day to day basis, my actions almost exclusively revolve around myself and immediate family. It will do me good to reflect on how I can actively and intentionally do better to spread kindness. So in that spirit, this week when I take my children on a nature walk by the riverbed I will remember to bring a bag and gloves to pick up trash along the way.
Love these toy ideas! And all the great imaginative and fun ways to learn! I am looking after my grandson while my daughter shops and also look after him while she and her husband work. We have lots of adventures together.
That is so lovely of you, Deborah, and must be so comforting for your daughter to know her little one is in such good hands.
To spread kindness this week I will compliment at least 3 people on something each time I am at the store.
What a wonderful act of kindness, Jenna. Thank you!
Letting my husband sleep in because he stayed up late and stayed awake for 2 hours with our boy.
A lovely gesture, Crystal!
I am a retired teacher and I taught my grandson during distance learning for Kindergarten and first grade.
What a wonderful thing for you to have done, Myrna!
Every night before bed I lay with my child and ask these 5 questions, and they look forward to it every night. It is a perfect way to end the day.
What was your rose? (Favorite thing about the day).
What was your thorn? (Least favorite thing about the day).
Did you see someone do something kind today?
What is something that you did that was kind today?
And lastly, what is something you are grateful for?
These questions give a us a chance to connect, for me to hear about their day – no matter how big or small their answers are that these are the moments that stood out to them.. showing them that witnessing and performing acts of kindness and being thankful for even the small things is important in life also. And it also helps them feel comfortable sharing things with me and trusting me with their feelings.
This is such a wonderful thing to do, Cassandra. Bedtime is a period of time I struggle with. I know it is so important for connection, but I also just want everyone to get to sleep so I can get to work! I think a simple, thoughtful routine like this would be lovely to connect and fill everyones cup so they can get to bed soundly. Thank you for sharing!
I really enjoy your emails. These are great toy options for toddlers. I have some of them already, but there are some i will be getting in the future.Thank you so much for your helpful ideas!
I am so happy you do, Kim! Thank you very much! xo
My kind way this week was giving my husband a break from cutting the grass and letting him sleep in.
This week, I will spread kindness by surprising a neighbor or friend with a yummy treat.
What a wonderful act of kindness, Heidi! Thank you!
I will plan a play date for my daughter and her friend from preschool her mum has been struggling a bit so any bit of relief helps
This is a lovely thing for you to do, Emily! Thank you!
We are going to make dinner for a friend and her kiddos this week while her other half is on a long work trip. And my boys are making a card for their grandparents out of town. Maybe we’ll buy someone an ice cream along with our own when we go out this afternoon 😊 such a good reminder to intentionally spread kindness, thank you! We will also be gifting the kindergarten readiness if we get it, as we already have it and our close friends really love it too but don’t have their own yet!
I am going to place money in zip lock baggies and tape them to vending machines with a note that says “Enjoy a Treat on Me. Play it Forward by doing RAK (random acts of kindness). Enjoy your day!
This is wonderful! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win! 🥰
Love your ideas for helping my little one learn. Spreading kindness this week by sharing warm thoughts with those I know are still remaining isolated. Just a simple call means so much to them in this busy world.
I’m going to plan a mother daughter outing for my recently engaged daughter 🙂
Awww, so lovely! Thank you!
I will spread kindness this week by going above and beyond my daily routine to do things for other people. Sometime it’s the simplest of things that can make a persons day 🙂
It is so, so true Hannah! Thank you!
I plan to sponsor a child in a third-world country so that he/she may have an education.
I love these good quality, imagination boosting toy ideas. Thank you for sharing them!
I am so happy you like this list, Tina! Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder of the little ways we can spread kindness. I think when we go out this week, we will look for ways in which we can show kindness to strangers, whether that’s buying their groceries or a cup of coffee. I will purchase my students something special that will last them through nursing school and hopefully use in their future nursing career.
That is so lovely Jordyn! Thank you!
Kindness today:
Pushed my two youngest grandkids 1 and 2 1/2
for a 5K so their momma and daddy could run it.
Wow! What a lovely gesture. And way to go on the 5K!
Such great toys listed above. Thanks for the links. This week I am going to look for ways to give my co-workers a break. It’s that time of the year when we’re all feeling busy and stressed, but since my position is so tiny, I can afford to offer some of my time to others.
What a wonderful thing for you to do Bobbi. Thank you!
Bring some homemade scones to an elderly neighbor
I love all these toys and we have most of them already! I love spreading kindness by watching a neighbors little boy who is the same age as my son so she can have some one on one with her new baby!
Aww, this is lovely Annie! Thank you!
When stopping for my morning coffee, I will pay for the car behind me!
One small gesture that will hopefully put a smile on someone’s face!
I love this Christine! Thank you!
This week we will be going over to my sister and brother-in-laws lake home and clear out the debris that the tornado that has ripped through our small northern Minnesota town has had. So when they come back up it will be all cleaned up and some new plants put into the flowerbeds. My grandchildren are learning the importance of sharing their love of nature to their aunt and uncle. Faith hope and love are taught everyday to my two little grandchildren. Such fun and caring abound. Thanks for all that you do!
Wow, what a thoughtful and generous act this is Jean – and to include your grandchildren is so important and beautiful. Thank you!
I will be reaching out to friends who live nearby and are still quarantining from Covid after almost their entire large family came down with it almost two weeks ago.
What a lovely thing for you to do Sipkje. Thank you!
I love catching kids being kind. When I praise them for it they just beam! Thank you to all my colleagues at Living Christ Early Learning Center over the last 14+ years. I appreciate your kind words as I move on to my next adventure of being a director and helping to open a brand new center.
How lovely, Karen! Good luck to you with your future endeavors!
I don’t know if this counts at all, but one way I am planning on spreading some kindness this week is to let my husband sleep as much as possible in the night while I take care of our newborn. Hopefully, our preschooler will let him sleep as well. 🙂
Oh my goodness, you bet that is an act of kindness! Just make sure you are also taking care of yourself, Mama. xo
I’m going to initiate conversation with someone who I don’t get along with and share the joy of my kids with them
What a wonderful thing to do, Amanda!
I am going to mow the lawn so my husband can enjoy a little time off.
How wonderful, Krista!
I love your question. I work at being present and engaged with every person I meet everyday. I have little to give.. but what I can give is my undivided attention to others. I always hope I can make someone else’s world a little brighter!..:)
Love you, Shelah!!!! xo
Today I was able to spread kindness to a stranger by delivering a couch that I had posted for free online. My husband and I even brought it downstairs into her apartment. It was nice to get to bless a single mom with 2 toddlers!
How lovely is this, Candace?! Wonderful!
This week I am going to help some seniors on my street by taking them grocery shopping and then bringing them home and cooking a homemade meal in their house.
Yesterday I helped my 4 year old make a “card” (drawing) for his friend with Leukemia. This week we’ll send it, along with one of his favorite Hot Wheels stamps. He loves sending and receiving cards to/from his friends, I hope he’ll be better at it than I am.
How lovely of your son, and I am so sorry to hear about his sick friend. Sending loads of love.
I like to volunteer and bring a little sunshine at my church to help in the nursery. I loved your list of toys also, I have a couple of this on a wish list for my youngest. Thanks for all you do 😀
Wonderful, Amy! Thank you so much.
This week I am modelling kindness for my children by giving honest and genuine compliments to everyone I meet. Not just topical stuff like “nice shoes” but deep and meaningful compliments. “Thank you for bagging my groceries. The effort and care you put into your work are so appreciated.”
This is lovely, Heather. Thank you!
Today’s act of kindness – smile at someone, even if I don’t like them
Love the toys-I actually have a few of them! One of my closest friends is in her eighties. I have known her since I was twelve. Every year she spends days helping me package cookies for my home craft show. This year my pre-K class was challenging. I got home late every night, didn’t keep in touch with people. So now that I’m on break I’m going to spend more time with her-bring her lunch from her favorite restaurant and help her weed in her back yard-something she can no longer do. I have plenty of practice-first thing I did in my own yard when school was out. Thanks for thinking of sharing kindness-it’s much needed in today’s hectic world.
So lovely, Marianne! Thank you!
I wish i knew about these educational toys to use them with my little ones, love them.
Thank you, Rebekah!
So many great ideas!! We will be making food for some elderly relatives this week.
We visited my parents this weekend and I’ll be doing a little extra cleaning for my mom around her house before we head out this morning. 🙂
Wonderful and easily implemented ideas–thank you for constantly sharing!
This week to spread kindness we will be mowing and weeding for my grandmother AND smiling & saying hello to everyone we meet while walking. We started smiling and saying hello yesterday as we walked through airports on our way home. Airports are a great place to share kindness from the frazzled parents to the new Starbucks employees trying to make it through their first day. It was heartwarming to see how a genuine smile and a few kind words brought smiles to others when we’ve grown so used to being self-isolating/contained.
This is so true! A simple smile can be a complete day changer. Thank you, Kris!
We are going to take our Auntie out for lunch this week. We appreciate all the kindness she has shown to us.
Lovely, Katie!
The act of kindness for is giving a simple to others as they pass me. Checking on others that are seemly acting different. This past week I have sat and just listened to others talk about their hurt and pain. I have made journals for the other PreK class because the teacher was busy with other tasks. I hold the doors open for others who are walking in behind me or leaving in front of me. I try to do things that will brighten others day in the smallest ways because I don’t know what others are going through.
What a beautiful way to live life, Elizabeth! Thank you
Kindness is so important. I try to show kindness to everyone I meet. It is so important to acknowledge all those around us who make our lives easier. This week I will send a home made card to my friend in Europe who struggles with mental illness and is now in a rehabilitation centre with a physical injury.
I am sure that homemade card will make a huge difference. We never can tell how much these simple, small acts mean to others. Very kind and thoughtful of you Sandra, thank you!
We will be donating to my kids’ school’s end-of-the-school-year food bank collection. I love that this act of kindness involves the kids.
What a fabulous act of kindness, Janelle. Thank you!
As an act of kindness, I just volunteered to be a room mom for my daughter’s dance recital. Another mom had to back out this weekend, and the recital is in 5 days!
So kind of you to make yourself available so last minute! Thank you!
Kindness is SO important!
We recently found out that our elderly neighbour has been having some health issues. This week I plan to bake her some muffins with my kids…and maybe even a fresh loaf of bread. I think reaching out to others to show you care is a wonderful way to make a bond and show kindness, whether they need it, like my neighbour, or not.
These toys look amazing! I love the food one and the cleaning set. My lil guy always pretends to vacuum and loves using our Swiffer duster!
This week my son painted rocks and we left them along neighbours’ driveways as a pick me up!
I love it!!! Thank you, Ashlee!
This week we’ll be showing kindness to nature and our neighborhood. On our walk/bike to and from school my daughter and I have noticed so much garbage on the sidewalks and ditches. Even near our home we’ve seen a propane tank in the ditch (!) and litter that looks like it exploded from a bag. It’s a real eye sore. With garbage bags, rubber gloves and tongs, on our home route from school, my daughter will be the garbage navigator and I’ll do the collecting.
How wonderful! This is a big undertaking, Sara. Thank you!
Great list. I was excited to see we have a few already at home. For kindness, our family is baking cookies for our neighbors who are having a busy and rough week with repairs. I am also taking coffee and cold drinks and a home-made card (kids art and doodles) to help lift up their spirits.
What a lovely thing for you to do, Lorena! I am sure that will lift their spirits indeed. xo
I have a friend who is going through a very difficult time right now. I am taking time most days to just sit and listen- to just be there for her and show her that I care.
What a perfect thing for you to do, Tamara. Thank you!
We are going to take my sister in law out to lunch and do something fun together as she has had some rough things to deal with lately. I thought I posted earlier, but I didn’t see the post. It was fun to see others ideas on ways to be kind as well!
Lovely Katherine! Thank you!
My 37 year old sister in law is in the beginning stages of dementia. She has 3 amazing kids. I try to help where I can! I cook, clean, do laundry, watch the kids, run errands, etc. I do all this with my precious 22 month old by my side. Family is so important. Serving others is essential and love and kindness are pivotal. I love that my daughter gets to see our family come together to help one another!
Oh I am so sorry to hear this, Lou. How devastating! I honestly had no idea dementia could begin at such a young age. I am so thankful she has you. Thank you. xo
Kindness is showing children by example and watching them embrace their friends with the compassion and empathy that is growing inside them. It’s a beautiful moment to watch in this difficult world they are growing up in.
This lovely Laura, thank you!
I will share kindess this week when I watch my niece to give her mom a break to do chores. My boys adore her anyways, so it’s a win-win. 😄
Awww, so sweet! Thank you Meagan!
Congratulations Meagan! You have won! Please check your email for a message from me. Thank you! xo
Most of these are a staple in our home! Thanks for all the great ideas to go along with them. My little and I try to practice kindness any way we can. One the easiest ways (and one we do most often) is showing kindness for the earth. We walk a lot and always bring a bag with us to pick up garbage we pass on our adventures.
Our kindness act: I am having my little ones make a picture to give to a man who works at our post office. He enjoys seeing them when we check our mail and alway makes a point to talk to them.
What a special thing, Elisabeth! Thank you!
My group of piano students are playing performance pieces at a local nursing home this weekend! (Something I’ve wanted to do for the past two years!!) I stopped in to see the room they’ll be playing in and all the residents were poking their heads out of their apartments saying how excited they are to hear all the musical talent! And the kids are happy to be playing for such a loving and accepting group of listeners! It might not be a traditional one, but music is my favorite act of kindness.
Oh this is beautiful Tara! Please check back in to let me know how it went. This is lovely!
I will show kindness by sending an encouraging text to a friend, leaving some books in one of our local lottle libraries and by making dinner for my parents to give them a night off from cooking.
Oh that is so generous of you Jen! Thank you for helping to make the world a better place!
Looking after our niece’s nearly 4 year old daughter who has not been well so is unable to attend Kohanga. Her mum
works full-time.
Lovely, Joy! Thank you!
Volunteering is good for the soul. This week I am serving snacks at VBS to preschoolers for the week. I also am bringing a special snack 2 days for 1 child that needs to eat gluten free. Then babysitting for a neighbor 1 afternoon for her 4year old. No charge. Just because Mom’s need a break. Lastly delivering Meals on Wheels in Friday, been doing that for 24 Years and love it.Helping others just gifts me as much as others
This is such a lovely way to live, Illona! Beautiful.
We plan on showing kindness this week by going to weed the garden & flower beds at grandma & grandpa’s house while they are out of town!
So lovely, Amanda! Thank you!
These emails that I get definitely help me generate new and exciting ways to teach my students and my nephew.
I am so happy to hear this, Candace!