Parents at Home with Infants, Toddlers or Preschoolers: What to Do?

by Marlene Lerer

It’s a New World

Due to the pandemic and the many recent social and political changes we've seen in our society, many children now spend significant time at home, which presents parents with a number of challenges. Most of all, how to engage their children in productive, fun, and growth-oriented ways?

My book, THE MAGICAL YEARS, 101 Activities to Help your Infant, Toddler or Preschooler Grow and Thrive offers help. In The Magical Years I present a collection of learning and discovery activities that will build structure in a young child’s day while encouraging the healthy growth of important developmental skills. It is intended for children from newborns through five-years-old. 

Work with Your Child Daily

 I group the activities into these categories:

- Infant (newborn-18 months)
- Toddler (18 months-3 years old)
- Preschooler (3–5 years old)

Doing these activities will become an important and enjoyable part of your day and of your child’s day — quite possibly the most enriching time spent by both of you! I recommend doing the activities every day.

When is the best time for activities with your young child? Mornings are often ideal for working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Late afternoon can be optimal for toddlers and preschoolers, when they are better able to focus their attention and soothe any feelings of frustration that may be affecting them. Your son or daughter may become excited and come to love these activities, looking forward excitedly to diving into these creative, growth-oriented experiences.

For Use by Parents and Educators Alike

I wrote this book for parents who are at home with small children, although educators in preschools and workers at daycare centers can also incorporate these activities into their curricula. I learned what works best through much trial and error, having implemented this work in preschools that I founded, operated, and taught in.

Much of the content in The Magical Years has been used in preschools. Teachers find them interesting and useful. Now, for the first time, parents have access to the very activities that have only been available to teachers in their classrooms.

All Children Are Unique

All children are born with talents and abilities that can be used as a gateway into the learning and growth process. Here in these pages, you’ll find a cornucopia of creative, exciting, hands-on experiences designed to develop a multitude of skillsets essential for your growing child. 

To learn more, and view a few activities, please visit marlenelerer.com.

See the book on Amazon here.