My oldest, Ryan, loved to clean-clean as a toddler. He cherished the kids’ broom and mop set we got him for Hanukah when he was one. He certainly wasn’t modeling me; he just loved cleaning. How I wished I continued to nurture this passion – it has waned, though he’s still pretty good with a spray bottle and vacuum.
Now, my little one, Noah is a foodie and a shopper. He can play kitchen, grocery, restaurant and picnic, all day long and pretty much anywhere. A true testament to his happy memories: when he returned to my in-laws lake house after six months of the off-season, he knew just where to find “his” food.
Check it out:
I love this old icebox and love my in-laws for not only keeping it stocked for Noah, but for endlessly playing grocery with him.
We made some play money which got Ryan interested.
Sometimes there is looting.
Sometimes we have an open-air market.
Definitely reminds you how few toys you actually need on vacation (or at home)!
My mom has taught all of her grandkids to make “coffee” in hotel rooms, by unplugging the coffee machine and playing barista with the kids on the floor, giving them free reign of the stirrers, *closed* sugar packets and cups.
How do your kids entertain themselves when their away from home and their usual toy stash?
Precious. Kudos to Grandma for a resourceful job well done! How about the ironing board (closed…or floor level) and iron (pretend plugged to under the mattress or a night table drawer) in the hotel? Voila, an ironing center.
How cute!!! Love the “open air market.” I used to do the same at our lake house! Tennis balls were ice cream!
Alyssa of Boston Bee