Have your toddler help you set the table. Help her to count the number of plates and napkins needed. Allow her to place them where each person will sit. While bringing out the meal, discuss what you will be eating and what food choices she will have for the meal.
This activity will allow your child to show independence and competence. It will also help her develop her conversation skills, use mathematical thinking in daily situations, and build her self-help skills.
Bake or cook with your child. Allow her to help you get the ingredients, measure, pour, and mix. Talk about the steps that you must take to prepare the item you are making. When you have completed the dish, let her sample the finished product and give you her opinion.
This activity will help your child show more independence and understand and follow simple directions. It will also help him use mathematical thinking in daily situations, use his senses to gather information, and build self-help skills.
Introduce new foods to your toddler at meal times. Serve one new food at a meal along with other familiar foods. Encourage your toddler to try the new food. Allow her to explore it and to feed it to herself. Set a good example by eating it yourself and discussing how delicious it is.
This activity will help your child to enter into conversation and use her senses to gather information. It will also help her to relate to adults and build her self-help skills.