Toys we played with while in quarantine

While in quarantine, I wasn't able to get new toys for my toddler to play with, as many shops were closed and we had to take the pandemic seriously and stay home. However, we had a few toys from when he was younger, and we managed to use them in different ways. There's no right or wrong way to use a toy; you can simply be creative and also allow your child to discover how to use them as well as come up with new ways to play with his or her toys. Below are some of the toys my toddler has owned and played with for the past six months (he's now a year old):

clockwise from top left: Soft balls, sensory umbrella, music box, stacking rings, plastic fruits and veggies, rainbow sunflower, music turtle, match-and-fit shapes 

Printed activity mat

There are many ways to use a printed activity mat. They come in different sizes and designs. This one has small puzzle pieces in the center of each square that can be removed. The puzzle pieces have printed objects on them and the squares have the first letter of the object. 

The child can use this activity mat as a puzzle, matching the shape of the object to the corresponding square; he or she can use it as a soft mat to play on; he or she can point and pronounce words; and he or she can simply break it up and chew om the pieces 😂 (for younger toddlers).

Never force the child to play with it “the correct way”. There is no correct way. Young toddlers will use it whichever way they like as they are still discovering new things. There’s nothing wrong with gently guiding them to use an activity mat properly, but don’t force them. They will eventually learn slowly and gradually.