Arts, Crafts and Fun

Playtime is messy time – the only way to deal with it is to enjoy the flour, paint and soapsuds as much as your toddler does.

Simple is good: blowing bubbles in the garden, tracing hands on a piece of paper, playing with soapy water at the sink, or even just practicing cutting with scissors are all huge favourites.

Develop the little artist within: have paper and crayons or coloured pencils always at hand. Keep a blank page ready so your toddler can go create at will.

Don't fear the paint: it’s all water-based - so it's washable, from hands and walls. Encourage and praise by highlighting the colours or shapes you like.

Baking: toddlers enjoy baking, not least for the chaos it can cause, but delegate simple tasks like putting cake cases into the tins or stirring the mix.

Home help: it's household chores to you, but to toddlers, it's great fun. Rope them in. For instance, ask them to spot "big bits" you need to pick up with the hoover.

For lots of fun activities, ideas, information and discussions, visit the Everymum's Facebook Page where over 100,000 mothers and mothers-to-be are sharing their thoughts and experiences.