Gia Oliva

Let’s talk about INDEPENDENT PLAY. ✨🧸⚽️🧩📦

PART 2! ✨ As a mom who lives in a small nyc apartment, where our living room is our playroom and learning area all in one. We only prioritize toys that are open ended and can be used in many different ways. Investing in these toy categories has made our play and learning time simple and intentional.

Here’s the full list of the Toy Categories that promotes independent play:
Fine Motor
Cause and Effect
Pretend Play
Arts and Crafts
Sensory Play
Practical Life
Problem Solving
Movement
Music
Role Playing

Toddler independence with simple tasks! ☺️

Practical Life Activities That I Practice with my 2 year old:

1. Using utensils - let your toddler practice with a spoon, fork, and eventually a knife (under supervision, of course!). Start with big, easy to grasp utensils and work up to more complex ones.

2. Dressing and un******ng - Encourage your toddler to try zipping, buttoning, and tying shoes (Velcro’s a great start 😄). Break it down into steps and make it fun.

3. Washing hands is a great skill - you can practice with your toddler turning on/off the faucet, applying soap, rubbing hands together, and drying with a towel.

4. Pouring liquids is a fun one! - Start with small cups and a pitcher, and let your toddler practice pouring water or sand from one container to another. Great for fine motor skills and eye hand coordination. .

5. Packing away - Designate a spot for toys/books, and make cleanup a routine. Use labels and baskets to make it easy for them to put things back.

Hi 👋 I’m Gia, a Pediatric OT turned stay-at-home mom. Come join me as I share my learnings about motherhood, passion for early childhood development, mom tips, and the daily adventures of raising kids in the big 🍎. ☺️🗽

toddlerlife

Independent Kids | Toddler Mom | Practical Life Skills | Screen Free Activities | Toddler Activities | Montessori At Home

Here are some of the things I am doing lately to support my Toddler in different areas of her development.

Toddlerhood is when we begin to see more of our child’s personality grow. And also the time when we get surprised how they transform from a baby to actual kid. 🥹✨ That’s why it is really important for us moms to build strong foundations in their milestones and development at this stage. 🩷



Toddler Mom Advice | Toddler Independence | Toddler Play | Toddler Emotional Regulation | Toddler Mom Life

The 2016 bride and new wife in me won’t believe that by 2026, she started and already living a whole new life in NYC with 2 beautiful children and will be celebrating a decade of marriage with her best friend. 🥹💖✨ In awe