Cathy Turner

After they left, I found the list. I and the parents went to a wedding reception and Grandad was left with the seven month old and four year old. For Grandad’s use, a list entitled, “Ideas for Ruby” (her name written in her own pen) was concocted by her and her dad. I enjoyed reading the list and then I just kept adding to it until I ran out of space here.

  • Make a picture of family
  • Write a song
  • Do a scavenger hunt
  • Write and film a movie with toys
  • Exercise (Go Noodle videos on YouTube)
  • Build a castle
  • Take a walk around the block
  • Play “20 Questions”
  • Make a video playing with toys
  • Make cookies (or some simple dessert)
  • Make a tower
  • Draw a picture of your favorite animal
  • Try to do 10 cartwheels
  • Challenge Grandad to a game of “Blink”.
  • Do leaf tracings
  • Paint rocks – first go find the rocks in the river
  • Write a limerick
  • Play with Barbies, My Little Ponies, Paw Patrol or Disney characters
  • Build a fort
  • Make ice tray popsicles
  • Play soccer, catch or shoot on your little hoop
  • Trace your hand and make a turkey
  • Paint your foot and make a squirrel from it on paper
  • Paint a literary pumpkin
  • Write your name three times
  • Practice cutting with scissors with your auntie.
  • Read a good book
  • Watch a musical
  • Polish your finger and toes
  • Play in the pots or in the plastic ware
  • Learn to make shadow animals
  • Feed a puppy
  • Visit an older neighbor
  • Do bubbles on the beach
  • Go to the library program and sing songs
  • Play “I Spy Something…”
  • Play the ukulele
  • Check your dad’s heart with your doctor kit
  • Ride your bike
  • Fly a kite
  • Call your grandma.
  • Play in the water table
  • Practice with the magnetic letters on the frig
  • Have a picnic under your umbrella
  • Play under the dining room table with your great-grandmother
  • Rest your eyes for a minute (Nap)
  • Make a milkshake
  • Go to church with your family.
  • Help your uncle build fire in the fire pit
  • Drive you red Corvette up and down the street – don’t forget to turn the radio on
  • Make slime, play with Play Dough or Kinetic Sand
  • Learn how to make a paper air plane
  • Jump on your little trampoline
  • Walk in the rain and float boats
  • Make a picture with glue and colored sand rather than with paint
  • Do a puzzle
  • Cook in your kitchen
  • Climb a tree or let your dad put you in one.
  • Sit by the window and make stars on the ceiling with your sequin pillow
  • Race your play cars
  • Solve a maze in your workbook
  • Wear your Jasmine outfit
  • Go creek-stomping with your folks
  • Learn a bird call
  • Have a tea party with Grandad
  • Water the plants
  • Play with your stuffed animals
  • Brush your mom’s hair.
  • Have raindrop races on the car window
  • Put your stickers everywhere and on everyone
  • Watch only one show on your Gran’s phone
  • Play on the walkie talkies
  • Help your mom cook dinner
  • Play with your little brother
  • Make a heart full of lipstick kisses and give it to your auntie
  • Sing with your cousin in the pink karaoke machine
  • Play in the tub or blue plastic pool
  • Wash your Cozy Coup
  • Clean your room
  • Make snow cream
  • Race your neighbor kid to the corner or take a walk in the park
  • Play in somebody else’s shoes
  • Don’t forget the sprinkler
  • Swing
  • Have your mom read your favorite book to you one more time.

Toddlerhood, the same today tomorrow and forever. Childhood at its best.

E-mail comments or suggestions to CatnKids1@gmail.com