Did you know? The Figgy is not just a fun play couch. Therapists from DotCom Therapy say the adventure playkit is also a great way to practice developmental milestones at any age!
This month we’ll be focusing on how The Figgy can be used to help your little one (ages 1 to 3 years old) reach their highest potential.
We’ll start by listing these important milestones and after, we’ll show you how the Figgy helps toddlers hit the mark!
18 Month Developmental Milestones:
At 18 months most children are eager to learn, grow and begin to develop many forms of communication.
Here are some important milestones to look out for:
-Uses single words and begins to say “no”
-Points to whatever they want
-May explore alone, but with parent close by
-Plays pretend with a toy
-Drinks from a cup and eats with a spoon
-Scribbles on their own
-Understands their name and follow easy verbal commands like “sit down”
-Can help dress themselves
-Responds to their name when you call it
Here’s how to make the most of your Figgy with your 18 months old:
Imaginative play is the way to go at this age, and The Figgy makes an excellent set up for a tea party, or a castle, or even a train ride through town!
Health leaders from DotCom Therapy recommend describing your actions and narrating play for children. Your words combined with play will encourage an emotional connection, and help little ones practice their social skills.
Experts also say a fun game of Hide and Seek and Peek a Boo, while a caregiver hides behind cushions helps their little minds develop cognitive skills.
These games also help a child develop trust and engagement each time you “disappear,” and like magic always come back!
And last but not least, resting a busy body, and reading to your little one is key for a bright future. It’s never too early to use The Figgy as a reading corner, remember at this age, your child's mind is a sponge.
2 to 3 year old Developmental Milestones
Toddlers grow at a fast rate, and when a child hits the two year mark, you’ll start to notice some seemingly overnight and magnificent differences!
What's more, between the ages of two and three toddlers begin to show and understand things like negotiation, empathy, and expression of thoughts.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Copies others
- Demonstrates increasing independence
- Begins to show definite behavior
- Repeats words heard in conversations
- Climbs furniture and stairs without help
- Kicks a ball
- Uses 2-4 word phrases
- Older kids can complete 4 piece puzzles
- Understands “mine” “theirs”
- Shows concern for a crying friend
- Follows instructions with 2 to 3 steps, copies shapes with a crayon
- Speaks clearly most of the time
- Can pedal a tricycle
Using the Figgy to hit toddler developmental marks!
Health experts say this is the time to encourage tunnel crawls, and puzzle building with The Figgy! Get those motor skills going by having your child crawl on their hands and knees, while conquering cushions in their way. Aside from fun, it also helps build core and neck strength.
For older kids, building an obstacle course with the Figgy will provide many developmental benefits. Completing the course helps a child develop planning skills and teaches them organization. A simple tunnel or jumping from one cushion to the next works great. All of this movement will eventually develop into arm, leg and even core strength.
Lastly, right now is the time to teach your little one how to follow directions. Use The Figgy obstacle course to teach your child how to complete the steps, such as telling them to “jump five times, then climb up the fort and jump.”
Dr. Jayna Niblock has a PHD in occupational therapy and says. "Three-year-olds are working on flexing their independence and they are trying to understand who they are. By working with them to try new things and helping them be successful, you can assist them in building self-confidence and self-esteem."