The weather is getting cold again!

That means your little one is going to be getting very antsy because they can't go outside and move their bodies! Don't worry! There are many inside movement activities that you can do to get your toddler to move and use some of their energy.

Step "Toddlerobics":

Time for some exercise! Take out some of those storage bins you have full of stuff and turn them upside down. Leave about a foot between them and have your toddler step up then down and then up again, while holding your hand if necessary. He'll have a great time going up and down, and up and down. If your containers are transparent then he can look at what's inside each bin while getting some exercise.

Toddler Jump Rope:

It's time to have some fun and jump rope...well maybe just the belt from your bathrobe. This is an activity that you can do indoors or outdoors. If you don't have a bathrobe belt, you can use some yarn and cut a piece 2 feet long. Then tape the ends to the floor/rug/driveway/sidewalk (make sure the yarn is pulled tight so that it is flat on the ground and your child can't trip on it.) First, ask your toddler if he/she can step over the piece of "rope". Then see if he/she can JUMP over the piece of "rope". You can show him how at first and then see if he can follow your lead. He might jump on the yarn and that's okay! Take turns jumping over the string and you can even bring out some stuffed animals to help demonstrate how to jump over string. For the more advanced jumpers, you can put down a few pieces of string about a foot apart so that your toddler can jump a few times in a row!

Mommy Bridge:

Here's a fun activity for you and your toddler! You'll giggle lots and have some good fun. Find a place in your house where you can get on all fours on a rug or mat. Then tell your toddler that you are "Mommy Bridge" and ask her if she can crawl under you from one side to the other side. As she is crawling under you, sing the "London Bridge is falling down" song using Mommy instead of London. Then just as your toddler is all the way through, fall down a little on her and tickle her toes or give her a big hug! She'll probably squeal and giggle up a storm! Let her get up and do it again! Remember that your enthusiasm and excitement will build her enthusiasm and interest in the activity!

For more fun ideas visit: http://www.toddlertoddler.com/