This year has not been an easy one for any parent/carer or child but for parent's of toddlers it has presented unique challenges. Last year, I have would have been taking my now 2.5 year old to swimming, soft play, cafes, play dates and family visits to pass those wet and wintery days but with current restrictions, this simply isn't possible. I spent 12 weeks from the first lockdown in March shielding with my toddler which whilst keeping me safe from the virus, it certainly wasn't for the faint hearted! If you are trying to survive lockdown with your toddler, you may find some of these tops tips helpful: 

Get outside when you can

We now think back longingly to those warm, sunshine filled days of lockdown 1 whilst looking at a dreary wet January sky. However, do take any opportunities that you can when the weather is a little nicer to get out into nature. Sometimes it can be as simple as walking down the end of the road picking up leaves in a bucket, exploring the garden, throwing some food out for birds, or getting out to the park for half an hour. 

Connect with friends and family however you can

My toddler doesn't really understand video calls in the same way that an older child would but that doesn't mean that she doesn't still enjoy the interaction with a little help. There is a particular joy in watching two toddlers video call each other or seeing my daughter calling her grandparents for a quick catch up. It is clear that she misses people who are important to her so taking the time to talk to her, looking at photos and regular video calls have helped to keep those connections going. 

Safety first

Most accidents happen in the home so it is important to consider how you can keep your family safe, especially with little ones. Injuries like burns are common with toddlers and 50% come from hot drink accidents. Whilst it is easy for us to let safety slip when we are busy and stressed, this is something that I have tried to continue to consider. 

When spending that intense time at home with your toddler, you may want to consider doing a baby and child first aid class so that you can feel confident in what to do in an emergency. We love the Mini First Aid East Sussex baby and child first aid zoom classes that cover all of the essentials in a 2 hour class for only £20. Find the right class for you at First Aid Classes for Adults (minifirstaid.co.uk)

Just add water!

On particularly difficult days, I remind myself that toddlers are a just add water product. Whether its puddle jumping, an extra bath or watering the plants; anything that involves water is bound to brighten up the day for your little one. 

*Always supervise your toddler around water as they can drown in only a small amount,. 

Pre-bath time messy play

My daughter loves messy play and whilst pulling the paints out certainly passes the time, it also creates a massive clean up job. I have started getting into the habit of doing something messy before bath time to keep the fun but reduce the effort for me. This may mean an afternoon bath time which is fine by me! Sometimes it's painting and sometimes it setting up some messy play in the shower that can all be washed away when we're done. Win-win! 

She also loves to cook with me so doing this pre-bath means she can get stuck in! We bought a learning tower before lockdown which is now used most days for cooking. Why not pop a cake kit with your toddler's favourite characters in your next supermarket shop?

Find online and offline activities 

Many of my toddler's favourite activities are still running online.  We have been able to do dance classes, baby signing and lots more to break up the days and weeks. We love the Mini First Aid East Sussex Early Years Class which is suitable from around 3 years and is currently running on zoom. If you can find a class that has a helpful message like teaching your child what to do in an emergency then that is even better. You can find a Mini First Aid East Sussex Early Years zoom class for just £5 per child at First Aid Classes for Children (minifirstaid.co.uk) 

Lockdown has also presented a good opportunity to keep talking to my toddler about safety and what to do in an emergency. We have been reading the Mini Adventures of Freddie which talks children through what to expect if someone gets hurt as well as Sit, Chop, Chew about safe eating practices and what to expect during a choking incident. These have been popular bedtime story regulars. 

Mini First Aid Mini Adventures of Freddie | Mini First Aid East Sussex (square.site) 

Sit Chop Chew | Mini First Aid East Sussex (square.site)

We have also talked a lot about germs and handwashing which have now become a healthy part of my toddler's daily routine. Whilst I am reluctant to use harsh chemicals, my daughter has been happy to use the 'nasty free' Happy Toddler Hand Gel when she inevitably decides to touch every railing she can on her way to the park Toddler Happy Germ Hand Gel | Mini First Aid East Sussex (square.site)

Practice mindful parenting when you can

Parenting toddlers is stressful at any time but parenting toddlers in lockdown can be a real strain. I have found periods of practicing mindful parenting have helped me to be present in an activity with my child without worrying about what is going on outside, if my phone is going off or what we are having for dinner. That doesn't mean that I am constantly wanting to be fully involved in the latest adventures today's favourite toy but if I find my mind wandering off, I note it and try to bring my focus back to my child and her play. In short periods this can be effective in helping our toddlers to feel reassured by our presence. Ultimately what our toddlers really want is our time and attention, even if we can only offer it for a little while due to our other commitments. 

I also try to acknowledge, accept and apologise when I have done something wrong. If I snap at my toddler for running around the house after her bath instead of getting dressed I resist the urge to instil some sort of strict punishment for her behaviour and instead consider why it has actually bothered me? What harm was she really doing? Was I finding it particularly difficult because I am tired and frustrated. Having that conversation my child that we needed to get dressed for bed and that I am feeling tired so need to go to bed soon to was much more effective than reaching for the naughty step. 

Remember that it's hard and why. You don't need to push yourself or them

Parenting is hard, toddlers are hard, lockdown is hard; it's all just a bit stressful. Try to forgive yourself for the bad days and move on. If you have a duvet and movie day because you all need a rest then fine. If you eat one too many takeaways then fine. If you don't quite get through all the meaningful activities you wanted to your toddler to do then fine. 

There has been a temptation for parent's to use lockdown as a chance to sleep train or potty train their little ones and whilst that has worked really well for some people, it honestly hasn't for me! I'm already stressed and my toddler who knows that something is going on and everything is different seems pretty stressed out to. I tried a little lockdown potty training and it left her even more distressed and unhappy. So, we stopped. If she ends up sleeping in my bed a little longer and in nappies just a little longer then fine. We can come back to that another day.