With every passing month, I notice My Munchkin becoming more independent. She loves doing things herself and we make sure we try our best to let her make an attempt on doing things by herself as well. Things like choosing what to play with, putting it away once done, bringing her socks and shoes when we go out, eating by herself.
Of course, there is chaos and a big mess associated with everything and at most times. For instance, she works with a specific material like the Transferring Activity. When done, she will put the bowls away but that does not mean the balls are still in the bowl; you will find those around the house. When eating by herself, she makes a BIG mess but she does eat on her own.
The main part to look at here is that there is order being followed by them. She knows that once she is done playing, a toy goes back to a specific spot and it does. What do I do with the rest of the stuff? I ask her to help me collect the balls – sometimes she does and sometimes she doesn’t. Before and after a meal, she helps me lay and clear the table respectively. This is no way means I am making my life easier or my Munchkin work a lot – they love being a part of the process, it helps them achieve independence and allows them to be treated as an individual.
That was a brief on things we do at home. Apart from this, what else did we do in Month 20?
Books
I think I practically mention books every month but it’s true. We keep rotating books and love reading. In fact, it has been such help in keeping her away from screen time. I try to change her books every few weeks.
Blocks
This is another favourite for a long time and generally most children enjoy them in all types. Blocks are also extremely good for their development and help them build creativity. It is best to let them work themselves rather them showing them what to make.
Playdough
I have been wanting to do this for a few months now and finally got a good recipe to do it and gave it a shot. I made Homemade Playdough for my Munchkin so that I had no fear when she put it in her mouth. I waited this long as I did not want to use the toxic ones available in the market. As every child, my Munchkin loves working with her Playdough as well. To begin with, she just has a rolling pin with the base and a single shape cutter in a basket along with a small amount of Playdough in just 1 colour. DIY for this will be up soon.
Peek-A-Boo
So now we have a different type of Peek-A-Boo going on (or Hide and Seek maybe). You will find her go behind the curtain or climb up on the bench, which is under the dining table, and she is hiding - well that is what she thinks! And we let her continue to think that because the excitement when we find her is absolutely amazing!
Does your Munchkin hide in different corners of the house too?