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The Capable Toddler

@thecapabletoddler

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🙎🏼‍♀️Amanda | mommy to 👧🏼H (3.5y)
💛Respectful Parenting
☀️Montessori Inspired | Play-Based Learning
⬇️Amazon Favorites and Discount Codes⬇️

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🇺🇸FOURTH OF JULY SHELF🇺🇸
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I decided last minute to put together a themed shelf for H as we enter 4th of July weekend!
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Here’s what’s on her shelf:

🇺🇸on top of shelf: pom poms and tongs transfer activity with silicone muffin liners

🇺🇸star window clings @michaelsstores

🇺🇸round styrofoam with pre-poked holes and mini flags @michaelsstores for posting activity

🇺🇸red, white, and blue glass gems and glass jars @michaelsstores for pouring/transferring activity

🇺🇸red and blue blocks @blocksrock for open-ended play — link in bio, code TODDLER for 10% off!

🇺🇸red and blue @picassotiles for open-ended play

🇺🇸geoboard and rubber bands - Amazon

🇺🇸DIY small/medium/large sorting chart with stars @michaelsstores

🇺🇸C, M, A, T sandpaper letters paired with figurines
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▫️wall art is @thenavagepatch
▫️trays and baskets are from Amazon — will be linked in my storefront soon!
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What do you have planned this holiday weekend?
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We hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!
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#thecapabletoddler #shelfie #shelfiesunday #shelfiesaturday #montessorishelfie #preparedenvironment #montessoritoddler #montessoritoys #montessoritoddlerspaces #montessoriathome #montessoriinspired #montessoriactivity #twoyearsold #toddler #toddleractivities #toddlerfun #followthechild #activitiesforkids #activitiesfortoddlers #earlychildhood #earlychildhooddevelopment #lovevery #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly #independenceday #4thofjulyactivities #diy #diycrafts #picassotiles #playbasedlearning by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

🍦SUMMERTIME MEMORIES🍦

Growing up, riding in the convertible with my dad and friends to go get ice cream was the highlight of my summers. Not only do I love ice cream 😉 but it was the memories we created that really stuck with me through my adult years.

I couldn’t wait to start creating some of my own memories with H. A new ice cream shop just opened up by our house this summer, and I knew it would be the perfect spot for H and I to have lots of ice cream dates 🥰.

After her gymnastics class every Wednesday morning we go on a date together, just the two of us. Sometimes it’s lunch, sometimes a donut date, a trip to the local bookstore to pick out a new book, maybe for coffee and hot chocolate, or a stop at the ice cream shop. It’s not a treat or reward for going to class, it’s more of a tradition we’ve started where we get to spend one on one quality time together doing something we love.

Sometimes I pick where we go, other times she picks. We sit and enjoy a delicious food or drink, chat about her class, and talk about what we want to do the rest of the day/week.

I love the memories we’re creating by doing this, and she’s also learning and growing from these experiences as well! She’s enhancing her social skills by interacting with shop owners and other customers, she’s getting a full sensorial experience by seeing, tasting, smelling, and touching the food/drink and hearing the hustle and bustle when out and about, and she’s refining her decision making skills by having choices and making a commitment.

I highly encourage you to take your little one on a special date, just the two of you, and maybe even create a tradition out of it. I assure you the memories will stay with them for a long time ❤️
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This post wraps up the HELLO SUMMER Mini Series featured every Wednesday in June. Follow #inspiringsummerplay and the below accounts for more summertime fun!

@mayeinthemaking
@blossomwithlove__
@growingupzu
@hikingwithharps
@ourpurposefulplay

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#thecapabletoddler #summertime #summer #summermemories #icecream #icecreamdate #creatingmemories #makingmemories #momdaughterdate #childhoodmemories #twoyearsold #montessoritoddler by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

🔴🟡🔵DIY COLOR MIXING🔵🟡🔴
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Every time we make smoothies, H always asks me what color it’s going to turn when all the ingredients get mixed together in the blender. Because of that observation, I’ve been meaning to set up a color mixing activity for her — and today I finally did!
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There are so many ways you can introduce color mixing. You can mix two colors together using finger paints, paint with paint brushes, colored shaving cream, baking soda and vinegar with food coloring, water with food coloring, etc.
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I saw @ourmontessoriview do a color mixing activity using colored water and squeeze bottles and, given I had all materials on hand and H’s love for squeezing, I thought it’d be the perfect way to introduce color mixing to H.
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MATERIALS
🔴food coloring
🟡squeeze bottles (found ours at Walmart, but you can usually find them at any craft or dollar store)
🔵glass or other transparent cup so the color mixing is visible from all angles
🔴tray for containing spills and easy clean-up
🟡color mixing chart (optional) - ours is from @nonawallart and I laminated and added velcro dots for easier matching and reusing
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I put equal amounts of water into two squeeze bottles and a few drops of food coloring in each. We used the 3 primary colors and did this exercise 3 times (blue/red, red/yellow, yellow/blue). Shake well to mix together. Allow your child to squeeze each color into the glass and observe the color changing. Then after mixing the colors and determining the new color, match the color on the chart.
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I found the purple and orange both came out darker and were difficult for H to tell what color it turned, so I would recommend putting the least amount of food coloring so the color isn’t too concentrated when mixed together (less blue with the blue/red and less red with the red/yellow).
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H enhanced her language skills by talking about the individual colors and what happened when mixing the colors. She enjoyed swirling the water around in the glass. She used fine motor and dexterity skills to squeeze the bottles. She practiced care for her environment by cleaning up the spills. Overall this was a great exercise!
. by @thecapabletoddler

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Have you ever been told or asked if your child is shy?
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I have 🙋🏼‍♀️. I’ve also been guilty in the past of assuming the same of another child. It wasn’t until I had H and she experienced her first social interaction with other kids her age that I fully understood why we should refrain from using labels such as this.
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Why do we, as adults, feel the need to resort to using labels on children when they aren’t conforming to the way we assume they should be and act? They don’t respond to a question and hide behind the parent? They’re shy. They run around and jump from one thing to the next? They’re hyperactive and out of control. They’re screaming in the middle of the grocery store? They have zero discipline and their parents aren’t parenting them the way they “should.”
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One thing I’ve learned through being a parent myself is that no one child is alike, and that these differences don’t correlate to one child being more or less “normal” or advanced than the next.
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I’m so thankful for helpful resources such as @transformingtoddlerhood and @janetlansbury who have helped me navigate social settings and be equipped with more appropriate responses to comments like this. Rather than just smile and nod, I’m able to support H by being confident in who she is and how I’ve chosen to parent her. And that means supporting and validating any and all feelings she has, and ensuring she feels safe and comfortable with taking things slow and approaching social situations at her own pace.
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As Janet Lansbury said it best, “It’s perfectly normal and appropriate for children to feel unsure and want to hang back in social situations. Proceeding with caution is intelligent.”
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**as a reminder, these are my personal thoughts and opinions. I am not, nor do I claim to be, a child psychologist or expert in any one field**

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#thecapabletoddler #positiveparenting #mindfulness #mindfulparenting #responsiveparenting #justbeyou #followthechild #emotionalintelligence #childpsychology #beyourself #raisingkids #twoyearsold #confidentkids #earlychildhoodeducation #parenting #toddler #toddlermom #runwildmychild by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

☀️ ICE CHALK PAINTING☀️
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If you have a bunch of old broken chalk pieces and your kids are bored of the traditional sidewalk chalk, this is a great way to repurpose them on a hot and sunny summer day!
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It does require a bit of work, but H really loved it and it was perfect for the hot day we had yesterday!
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I found this worked best when wetting the driveway first. I filled a small watering can with water and let H pour the water - this was a fun activity in itself! 😉
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It was a really hot day here yesterday and they melted fairly quickly. After she was done, we grabbed the hose (got in some maximum effort!) and she had a blast washing it all away.
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☀️Activity inspired by @bestideasforkids - you can find the full recipe and step-by-step instructions on their website! They also include helpful tips for cleanup.
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This post is part of the HELLO SUMMER Mini Series. Check back every Wednesday in June for more summer themed inspiration. Follow #inspiringsummerplay and the below accounts for more ideas!

@mayeinthemaking
@blossomwithlove__
@growingupzu
@hikingwithharps
@ourpurposefulplay

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#thecapabletoddler #summeractivities #summerplay #diycrafts #diy #toddleractivities #toddlercrafts #toddlerart #activitiesforkids #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #montessori #montessoritoddler #montessoriactivity #artsandcrafts #kidsart #twoyearsold #followthechild #childledlearning #letthembelittle #kidsplayideas #toddlerplayideas #outdoorplay #playingoutside #outdoorfun #sidewalkchalk #chalkart by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

I don’t show him on here often, but this guy right here is the real hero in H’s eyes (and my eyes, too 😉)❤️
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Thank you for loving us unconditionally, and for being the most kind-hearted, sincere, hilarious, and supportive husband and daddy. We are grateful for you each and every day. While we don’t need a special day to celebrate you, I am incredibly thankful to be able to say “Happy Father’s Day” to you.
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Sending love to all of you on this day, no matter what it means to you ❤️❤️❤️ by @thecapabletoddler

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If you’re looking for a last minute idea for Father’s Day, this is still one of H’s dad’s favorites from his first Father’s Day! It’s really simple and so cute to surprise the father figure in your little one’s life!
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I grabbed 3 of daddy’s favorite hats that he wears (tried to be as sneaky as possible!) and bought some wooden letters from the local craft store (D and A to spell DAD). I took several pictures with each hat on and with each letter, and chose the 3 best ones. I had them printed out at Walgreens (you can take them to any photo print center or print them off yourself!) and placed them in a 3-picture frame.
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I had the idea of re-doing this every year with the same hats and wooden letters so he could see how she’s grown and changed. I forgot to recreate this last year, but decided to continue it this year! The last photos are some outtakes from this year’s gift ☺️.
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This idea can be altered in so many ways! Use letters that spell PAPA, DADDY, or another name. Instead of hats use their favorite sports jerseys, watches, or tools. Anything that dad wears/uses on a regular basis will really tug at their heart strings 🥰 This would also be really cute for Mother’s Day or even as a gift for a loved one for Christmas or Birthdays!

▫️Follow #montessorifathersday and the below accounts for more inspiration!

@wholefulmom
@montleathome
@apekshadhawal
@hikingwithharps
@thecapabletoddler
@smileon0187
@rakishricha
@pdxindie

✨Share some of the best Father’s Day gifts the dads in your life loved the most! ⬇️

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#thecapabletoddler #fathersday #fathersdaygifts #fathersdayideas #fathersday2021 #twoyearsold #toddlergift #giftfordad #toddler #toddlerlife #montessoritoddler #diy #diycrafts #diygifts #toddlercrafts #toddleractivities #makingmemories #girldad #dads #dadsarethebest #cherisheverymoment #specialgift #giftforlovedones #childhoodmemories #growingup #familymemories #toddlersofinstagram
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. by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

🍋🫐HOMEMADE POPSICLES🫐🍋
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H and I made yummy blueberry popsicles yesterday and they were a hit!
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Not only is this a fun summer activity to do with your little ones and they get to enjoy a delicious popsicle afterwards, there’s also so much learning and development happening!
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I like showing you guys these longer video clips so you can really see the skills being practiced and learning in action (and mishaps, too 😉).
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H is working on fine motor, hand-eye coordination, and pouring skills when adding all ingredients to the blender and putting the popsicle molds together. She’s enhancing her vocabulary by using descriptive words to describe the texture of the honey, yogurt, etc. She’s practicing size variation when talking about big vs. small blueberries. She’s observing the mixing of colors and understanding how colors change when talking about what color the popsicle mixture will be when blended. And, of course, taste testing along the way 😉.
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You’ll see we had a big spill of the popsicle mixture when pouring into the molds. I intended to assist her hand with pouring into each mold (I haven’t yet introduced the concept of pouring to the line) but she got to it before I made it over there. Rather than react, I allowed her to observe the spill so she could understand how it happened. We talked about it and then did some problem solving by using a spoon to scoop up the mixture and add it back into the molds (we still got 3 popsicles out of it!)

▫️Recipe is from @yummytoddlerfood
▫️learning tower is @littlepartners

This post is part of the HELLO SUMMER Mini Series. Check back every Wednesday in June for more summer themed inspiration. Follow #inspiringsummerplay and the below accounts for more ideas!

@mayeinthemaking
@blossomwithlove__
@growingupzu
@hikingwithharps
@ourpurposefulplay

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#thecapabletoddler #practicallife #practicallifeskills #independenttoddler #independentchild #montessorichild #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #montessoriinspired #twoyearsold #preparedenvironment #childledlearning #finemotorskills #sequencing #toddlerlife #toddler #learning #earlychildhood #montikids #lovevery #littlechef by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

🥣 SELF-SERVE OATMEAL🥣
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It’s been awhile since I’ve set up a self-serve breakfast station for H. She asked for oatmeal this morning and I thought it’d be fun for her to put it together herself!
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WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE TRAY:
▫️cutting board and nylon knife to peel and slice her own banana
▫️mini glass bowl for putting peel
▫️mini pitcher with quick cooking oats
▫️another mini pitcher with lukewarm water
▫️mini measuring cup with cinnamon
▫️mini bowl with chopped walnuts
▫️napkin and spoon
▫️bowl
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The idea is to present the items to her and allow her to pick and choose what she wants to add and in what order. She’s working on fine motor, hand-eye coordination, pouring, transferring, and sequencing.
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She started to hand me the peel and you’ll hear me mention to her there’s a small glass bowl for putting the peel. You can tell I interrupted her focus for a minute, and probably should’ve refrained from saying anything in that moment. She continued to hand me the peels anyway, but I let it be so I didn’t interrupt her focus any further.
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You’re not looking for perfection here. While it’s hard to do, watching things being done out of order or not being placed where they should go, it’s best to take a step back and allow them to explore and do things their way. Had I paused for a few moments, she might’ve figured it out herself and put the peel in the bowl without my direction.
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As I always say (and am constantly telling myself!), it’s best not to set any expectations when doing these types of activities. Nonetheless, she really enjoyed her oatmeal!
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▫️mini pitcher is @lovevery
▫️cutting board and knife are @littlechefandme
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What is your little one’s favorite breakfast at the moment!?
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#thecapabletoddler #practicallife #practicallifeskills #selfserve #independenttoddler #independentchild #montessorichild #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #montessoriinspired #twoyearsold #preparedenvironment #childledlearning #finemotorskills #sequencing #toddlerlife #toddler #learning #earlychildhood #montikids #lovevery #littlechef #kidchef #kidsinthekitchen #mealprep by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

PRACTICAL LIFE = LEARNING!
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I’m often asked about different activities to do at home that are Montessori inspired, or for general learning purposes. My typical answer is PRACTICAL LIFE!
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My good friend @montessorihisway posted about this the other day, and I just love this topic.
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There’s a lot of pressure to constantly be setting up activities and having the best materials to provide the ultimate learning environment for our children. While we love doing planned activities when we have the time, most of H’s learning comes from LIVING. What I mean by this is, she is learning every day by participating, contributing, and doing every day tasks (referred to in Montessori as practical life).
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We love to stay busy, especially during the summer months. It isn’t always feasible for me to set up daily activities for her. Instead, I bring her with me everywhere I go so she can get real life experiences and learn how to be a kind and contributing member of society.
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Most of the things we do involve me following H’s interests and fostering her curiosities wherever possible. So much learning happens when we don’t even realize it’s happening!
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Children have an innate desire to contribute and be a part of our community. If you ever witness your child wanting to help out or participate in what you’re doing, allow them to chip in! Yes, it’ll take more time to complete. Yes, it may be slightly inconvenient for you or the people around you. But, in my opinion, these are invaluable skills and activities for our children to learn.
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I was able to capture this quick video of H helping me out in the grocery checkout line the other day. I had no intentions of her doing anything or videoing this moment. But as I was loading the groceries onto the belt, she said “I’ll do it!” So I said “sure, I’d love your help!” and started to hand her the items one by one. She continued to put every single item on the belt (or hand it directly to the cashier ☺️) and with the biggest and proudest smile on her face 😁.
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These are the lessons I love the most. Our children are always watching and learning from us, so let’s continue to foster their curiosities and eagerness to learn by doing!
. by @thecapabletoddler

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5 years ago

Montessori(ish!) Mom Confession: My toddler doesn’t drink from an open cup…but used to 😧
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Let’s rewind so I can explain.
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When H was 6 months old, I introduced baby-led weaning and drinking from an open cup using the @ezpzfun tiny cup. I fell in love with the concept of H having the independence and capability of feeding herself, and was determined to have her independently drinking from an open cup by a year old.
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We were actually quite successful! Tons of spills, tons of modeling, tons of practice, but she eventually got the hang of it! I’d say by 9-10 months old she was picking up the cup, drinking from it, and setting it back down on the table with minimal spillage.
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I took that tiny cup everywhere with us. Traveling, out to dinner, to a friend’s house, you name it. It’s all she used.
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Around 18 months, I introduced a larger cup. She was very confused and didn’t take to it at all. She’d refuse to drink from it, and then started to refuse drinking from the tiny cup she once loved. Maybe I’d forced a change onto her she wasn’t quite ready for just yet?
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I resorted to giving her a weighted straw cup during a few mealtimes to avoid a power struggle. Somewhere along the way, I got too comfortable and realized I hadn’t given her the open cup in weeks! (I know, my mistake 😬)
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I’d occasionally bring it back out, fill it with water and set it on her table. She would avoid it completely. I found ourselves sticking with the straw cups and I (ashamed to admit) kind of just gave up on the open cup.
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I’ve tried reintroducing it to her again recently. She’ll try a few sips here and there, but acts as if she’s forgotten how to drink from it and says she wants her straw cup.
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I wanted to share this to confirm it’s OKAY if your child isn’t doing something you feel they should be based on the Montessori philosophy, or any other philosophy you follow.
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Will I continue to model and practice with H until she drinks from an open cup again? Absolutely. Will she be just fine not drinking from a cup right now? YES. Will she drink from a cup when she’s ready? You bet. Until then, she will happily drink from her beloved @elkandfriends straw cup ☺️.
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. by @thecapabletoddler

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🦜🏠 BIRDHOUSE PAINTING🏠🦜
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We have the most beautiful birds living in the trees behind our backyard. H loves watching them fly around and chase each other, and listening to them chirping.
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I saw a cute idea by @southsidemomma to paint a birdhouse, so I thought it’d be a great way to kick off the summer with H and watch the birds enjoying the birdhouse! This activity also connected H with nature and enhanced her language development as we discussed the different species of birds and what they eat, how they fly, etc.
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MATERIALS:
▫️wooden birdhouse (found ours at @michaelsstores)
▫️paint (we used @melissaanddougtoys washable paint)
▫️paint brushes
▫️cup of water for rinsing brushes
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I really just let H run with this one, and she loved it! She was also mesmerized by the change in color of the water as she put her paintbrushes in it. Based on this observation, I will definitely be setting up a color mixing activity for her soon!
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We went to the hardware store and H picked out some bird seed to put in the little fenced in area of the birdhouse. We hung the birdhouse on a tree branch in the backyard, and are looking forward to spending many summer nights out here watching and admiring the birds 💛
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This post is part of the HELLO SUMMER Mini Series. Check back every Wednesday in June for more summer themed inspiration. Follow #inspiringsummerplay and the below accounts for more ideas!

@mayeinthemaking
@blossomwithlove__
@growingupzu
@hikingwithharps
@ourpurposefulplay

What fun activities do you have planned this summer?
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#thecapabletoddler #summeractivities #summerplay #diycrafts #diy #toddleractivities #toddlercrafts #toddlerart #activitiesforkids #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #montessori #montessoritoddler #montessoriactivity #artsandcrafts #kidsart #twoyearsold #followthechild #childledlearning #letthembelittle #kidsplayideas #toddlerplayideas #melissaanddoug #michaelsstores #outdoorplay #playingoutside #outdoorfun #toddlerdevelopment by @thecapabletoddler

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