What else can I do to help my 2 1/2 year old?

by Marlou
(St. Augustine, FL, USA)

I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter. We started her on the "Your Baby Can Read" program when she was 6 months old. We haven't been following it to the T so, no she cannot read yet. She does know her ABC's, can count from 1 to 30, knows her colors, knows her animals and sounds they make. I would say she has a vast vocabulary for her age, when she speaks to people they cannot believe she is only 2 1/2 with how clearly she speaks and how well she can hold a conversation. She is very inquisitive and I try to engage her as much as possible.

Should I try to get her started on a teaching schedule type routine? We are planning to home school her so I figure why not start now?

We go to the park, take walks, go to the store, zoo (on occasion - it's an hour away). I guess I need new ideas of more things to do with her. We talk all the time, try to read books (her attention span for them is quite hit or miss), we try to let her watch educational shows like Dora and get involved with the program, asking questions as we watch. She hasn't shown great interest in writing, should I work on that? Obviously I don't think she is too young since she has picked up so quickly on so many things. I guess I just need help as what to do next and keep her interested in learning.

I have noticed that lately she has been asking to watch TV more often than she was, I try to limit it but it has been a little hard because I am pregnant and have been hit with terrible morning sickness. I know it's not too late to break her of this bad habit but I need things to replace the TV watching time.

Thank you in advance! =) Sorry this was so long!

Reply for What else can I do to help my 2 1/2 year old?:

Marlou,

I applaud your enthusiasm! I remember when Laura was that age. I wanted her to be the brightest and most well behaved little girl on the planet! So like you, we worked on her colors, animals, words, you name it, we were on it! It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

Then our second child, Emily came along. And with her, came a whole new style of teaching. Instead of just Laura and I reading at our leisure, we now had to get our reading time in while I was nursing Emily. Instead of sitting down with Laura and making "playdough spaghetti" she would now help me actually cook it for dinner. Was she still learning? Of course! Just different things that quite honestly prepared her for "life"!

I guess it all boils down to how much time you as a Mom will have to teach. You will find the birth of this new baby to cut into time with your 2 year old. And that's okay. She will love helping you with the new baby. Involve her as much as you can so she won't feel neglected. Take her with you to start that load of wash, let her push the buttons. Yes it will take you longer, but she will learn so much and will be able to throw a load in for you sooner than you think!

I must mention a word of caution for you. Don't overdo. You want your daughter to keep that love for learning growing. Don't squelch it by pushing too much on her. Remember, she's only 2 1/2. Go at her pace and interest level. Read some of Dr. Moore and Ruth Beechik's books. They are priceless. Homeschooling Toddlers can be exhausting and rewarding. But take it one day at a time. They don't need to be scholars yet. Save that for when they're in high school or college.

Many blessings to you and your new family!