These activities are tailored specifically for 2-3-year-olds to help them develop emotional regulation through engaging and age-appropriate play.
2-2.5 YEARS
BUILDING TOWERS
Use large building blocks to create tall towers together. Encourage your child to stack as high as they can before the tower falls.
The act of rebuilding helps children learn to manage frustration and develop persistence.
2-2.5 YEARS
HIDE & SEEK TOYS
Hide a few toys around a room and ask your child to find them. Offer clues and celebrate when they find each toy.
Helps children learn to handle delayed gratification and improves their focus and attention span.
2-2.5 YEARS
WATER PLAY
Set up a water play station with various containers and tools for pouring and measuring water.
Provides a calming sensory experience that encourages focus and patience. The repetitive action of pouring helps with self-regulation.
2-2.5 YEARS
SORTING GAMES
Provide various objects (e.g. buttons, beads) and different containers. Ask your child to sort them by color, size, or shape.
The focused activity helps children manage their impulses and develop patience.
2.5-3 YEARS
BOARD GAMES
Play age-appropriate board games like “Candy Land” or “Chutes and Ladders” that require turn-taking and patience.
Teaches patience, turn-taking, and managing frustration which are key for emotional regulation.
2.5-3 YEARS
PATTERN BUILDING
Create a pattern with colored blocks and ask your child to replicate it. Gradually increase the complexity of the patterns.
The structured activity helps with impulse control and attention.
2.5-3 YEARS
OBSTACLE COURSE
Set up an indoor obstacle course with cushions, tunnels, and small hurdles. Guide your child through it, encouraging different movements.
Physical activity helps release energy and manage frustration.
2.5-3 YEARS
COMPLEX PUZZLES
Provide puzzles with more pieces and complex designs (e.g. animals, vehicles, or favorite characters).
Improves focus, patience, and problem-solving skills, aiding in emotional regulation through engaging challenges.
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