How to Preoccupy Two Year Olds
Keeping Two Year Old Twins Preoccupied
I remember always being told that the "terrible twos" would be one of the toughest times I experienced as a parent.
I had no idea that I would be blessed with the daunting task of keeping identical twin girls preoccupied.
We also have the added bonus of a four month old baby brother.
I am always searching for new ways to keep my daughters preoccupied, entertained and happy.
It usually requires a little planning and a lot patience on everyone's part.
The Challenges of having two two year olds
Our daughters are just like any other two year olds. They are curious, independent and full of energy.
I spend twenty four hours alone with our children while my husband is at work. I have to ensure that I keep the twins preoccupied.
I am always searching for games or projects that will improve fine motor skills and entertain them.
I try to find projects that will entertain them long enough for me to feed the baby and do a few household task.
We do our best to keep television to a minimum.
Our identical girls require more structured activites as they get older to keep them out of trouble.
A comment I often here from parents without twins is that I am lucky to have two children the same age. People often assume identical twins always play nicely together and entertain each other. I am here to tell you that it is simply not true. It requires quite a bit of effort to keep my girls preoccupied.
Helpful Supplies to Preoccupy two year olds - Things To Do With two year olds
I keep an arsenal of supplies for homemade projects. Our twins have very different taste so I try to pick items in a variety of shapes,colors, textures and sizes.
- Paintbrushes
- Large Drawing Pads
- Crayons
- Pipe Cleaners
- Pom Poms
- Popsicle Sticks
- Markers
- Glue
- Stickers
- Play Dough
- Note Cards
Perfect for Preoccupying Two Year Old Identical twins
Entertaining Children - Playing Outdoors with two year olds
Our girls love to play outdoors. We try to get outside and play in the backyard or head to the park at least once a week.
Where Do you Prefer to Entertain Children?
Games For Two Year Olds
- Ring Aroud The Rosie
Bus Songs: Lyrics and music to nursery rhymes and songs - Spponful Sponsored by Disney
Games, recipes and fun creative activities for your two year old - Online Games For 2-3 year olds
Fun computer games for two year olds includes Dora The Explorer and other familiar characters. - Games For Two Year Old Children
I love this website it is a collection of homemade games for two year old children contributed by real parents. Do you have a great idea? Add it to the list.
- Decide on the project
Example: No Bake Cookies
- Inventory equipment
Example: Two large spoons, Two Large Bowls, Measuring Spoons, Oatmeal, Cocunt Flakes, Peanut Butter, Flaxseed, Chocolate Chips, Honey and Vanilla
- Build the Excitement
Example: Inform the girls while they are getting dressed and eating breakfast that we will be eating cookies today!
- Set a Timeframe
Example: Make Cookies in the moring while the baby is taking a nap
- Designate an area
Example: Clear the Kitchen Table of All Other Items
- Have a Back Up Plan
Example: The No Bake Cookies Can Be Eaten Straight Out of The Bowl I Also Have a Recipe for Edible Play Dough Using Similar Ingredients
Need More Ideas to Entertain Your Two Year Olds
- Money Saving Mom
Money saving mom is one of my favorite blogs. She homeschools her children and often provides great frugal ideas for entertaining children. - Twin Stuff Forum
The Twinstuff Forum is my go to site for any twin related questions. Meet women that are expecting twin, twin adults and maybe even celebrity twins. - No-bake Energy Bites
Here is the recipie I use for no-bake cookies it is a family favorite and is also pretty healthy - I Can Teach My Child
recipie for edible play dough - Crafts For Toddlers
Free Coloring Pages
Preoccupy Your two year old With Normal Day To Day Activities - Things To Do With two year old twins
I am desperately trying to lose the weight from my last pregnancy. My workouts have become a part of my day to day routines.
How do you preoccupy two year old identical twins and a four month old baby while you work out?
The solution is to combine day to day activities and spending time with your children.
I have jumped on the Zumba craze. I can do it in the privacy of my own home with the baby in his jumpy seat and entertain the girls!
Why Is It So Difficult to Preoccupy Twin Girls
It can be very difficult to preoccupy two year old identical twins.
They are in constant competition with each other. They do not know what is like to be without the other.They are a team! They are attached at the hip.
They also have no idea what it is like to be an only child or to have mommy and daddy completely to themselves. They share just about everything, clothes, bathes, and toys. It is a constant struggle as a parent of identical twins to entertain them as a unit and remember to treat them as individuals.
Try to find activities that allow your twins to explore their own individuality. Our daughters love to paint; one prefers makers the other finger paints. We also bake a lot of cookies, one mixes with a spoon the other likes to get her hands dirty. Do not make the mistake of treating them like the same person.
Videos and Pictures by Gina Birdsong
Other Photos courtesy of AllPoster.com and Amazon
Benefits of Entertaining Two Year Old Identical Twins - Twins Keeping Daddy Preoccupied
Identical twins do not always have to be preoccupied with homemade projects. In fact, they usually prefer a little time with mom and day. The benefit of spending time with your children is a quality relationship. They thrive on the attention of mom and day. The added bonus is it is usually pretty entertaining for mom and dad too.
