Together Time

We’ve all been making New Year’s resolutions for what seems like forever. But what really is a resolution? We suggest that this year you put a positive twist on the traditional “New Year’s resolution” and use this time to make a few plans for how you will share discovery with your little one this year. Grab a pen. Write 5 things that you want to share with your baby this year and post it on your fridge or plug it into your iPhone so it’s on the front of your mind all year long! We have some ideas to get you started, but think about making it as personal as possible and really sharing beautiful things that you are passionate about with your baby.  

Spend a day at the Children’s Museum Many museums offer discounted week day rates so do a quick Google search to see if there are any local deals that you and your little guy can take advantage of.  If you don’t have a museum in your town, you can look for parent group trips on your local parent’s group website. This may spark some other ideas for child-friendly activities or special exhibits that are designed for young eyes and ears.

Make a Play Date in the Park As soon as the weather warms up make a date to explore your local playground with baby. Try to pick an off-peak time, such as early in the morning or when bigger kids are at school, so that baby doesn’t get overwhelmed.  A gentle push on the baby swing is always a hit, as is an assisted glide down the slide by sliding down with baby in your lap, or holding him midway down the slide and slowly guiding him down. If there’s a sandbox, trace shapes in the sand with baby and let him watch it slip through his fingers.  Just make sure he doesn’t eat it!

Discover Friends They make the world go round!  It’s important for a child to build healthy relationships throughout life and learn how to socialize well with others.  Help him discover friendship by setting up a date with parents of a baby close in age.  Watching the babies “discover” one another and try to talk will be a great experience for parents, too! If possible, try to set regular play dates to allow the two of them to get familiar with one another.