I found that when I started applying some of my teaching skills to life with a toddler, my day became easier, I allowed space for more unpredictability and found beauty in the controlled chaos. Here are just some of the ways I apply what I know to my time with my 2.5 year old:

1. Everyone Learns Differently

All students are in my class but not all learn by listening to my voice. Sometimes they learn by reading, sometimes by doing things with their hands or through play, sometimes it’s from drawings on the board. When figuring out what I want to do with my 2.5 year old Lily for the week, I always have lots of different opportunities to learn about the world. We play inside and outside, we read books, garden, and cook, and socialize with people of various ages.  I even add in at least half a day of BOREDOM. This works for both of us because it allows some variety of experiences for Lily to learn and explore, she is entertained and I am not mind-numbingly bored by doing the same thing all day, every day.

2. A lesson plan is not the end all be all.

I may make plans but they aren’t always going to go exactly the way I wanted. (hello tantrums! Amiright?) What’s important is the result of the lesson. I focus on what it is that I hope Lily will learn. (Side note: I am rarely this structured about learning outcomes with my toddler) If the skill is tidying up after herself, the hope is that Lily will put away all of her toys but the reality is that she is learning even if she puts a handful away. 

1. Open endedness is important for development 

Some structure is good because children (and parents!) thrive on it. Definitely have a general structure but then add in space! After nap is usually our best time to go outside and play. The structure is the time of day we end up doing the activity. When we are out in the backyard, the learning comes from Lily just being out there, picking grass, playing with water, digging holes, pointing out birds and airplanes, asking “what’s that noisy?” …the list goes on. 

The best thing that implementing these concepts has given me (and therefore Lily) is taking the pressure off our day. Allowing for the space to explore and experience, making plans and then loosely following them, and prioritizing activities that have some but limited structure has revolutionized my parenting experience while also benefitting Lily’s growth! And of course, a happy mama can better support a happy babe!

 In the Quality Time Framework, these concepts are included because they are so important for toddler development and for an easier parenting experience. It also helps us parents to focus on the activity with our child but the freedom to be flexible and enjoy exploration together— which is the crux of QUALITY time.