I’ve often heard that a child is most influenced during the first three years of his or her life. Adding interesting educational games to a child’s life during the toddler years can be extremely beneficial to both the parent and the child, since it can not only stimulate the toddler’s mind and prepare him or her for learning, but it can also increase the bonding that can sometimes only be developed at that stage of life. Although parents might be a little bit challenged to discover new and exciting ways to interact with small children, there are numerous games and activities that can be both physically and intellectually rewarding.

Colorful flash cards are not only inexpensive, but extremely versatile as well. They can be purchased at most discount stores, craft stores, and educational supply stores, or if you’re creative, you can even make then at home! Flash cards can be used for assistance with reading, math, and even to help with recognizing shapes and colors.

One of my favorite games to play with flash cards is a matching game, which matches cards with pictures to the corresponding words. One of the best things about this type of game, is that the reward of “winning” is instant. This works great for a young child whose attention span might be a little short.

Another great game for small children is a little bit more physically oriented, but educational as well. Just make some flash cards with certain activities/ exercises on them and put them into a pile. Now make another set of flash cards with numbers on them. Have the child pick a card from each stack, and act out the activity revealed, the number of times revealed.

The toddler years are full of energy and adventure. When that energy is directed at positive activities and learning, it can be one of the best parts of a toddler’s life.If you like what you see, keep going: New Kindle apps! Password Manager, Flash Cards: Foods for Kids and Animals for Kids