My Pop Rocks

Dad, Aba, Pappa, Baba, Daddy, Pop… Yesterday was Father’s Day and like any teacher or mother I was racking my brain to find the most unique way to help my toddler say “I love you.” We like to find clever ways to tell the father figures in our lives that they are appreciated, needed, and most importantly, loved. Here are two fun gifts we whip up that you can do any time with your toddler and preschooler to make that special person feel even more special! 

My Papa Rocks

Rock Art is a fun summer time activity. Take your child on a rock hunt to find one especially for Papa. Make sure it is big enough to be able to hold your art. Now collect bits and pieces of things that remind you of Papa. Using white school glue and glue the found objects to the rock.

Some things we like to use:

• Caps
• Screws
• Nuts
• Paper Clips
• Mini Baseballs
• Google eyes
• Beads
• Rubber bugs

After the work is complete, Adults only should spray lacquered the rock to make them waterproof and long lasting.

My Baba is the Bomb

All you will need for this activity is toilet paper and seeds. Let your toddle unroll a bunch of paper into a bowl with water. Mush it all up and add some flower seeds. Once it is all mixed, roll the wet mushy paper into balls and let dry. Dad can throw these anywhere and watch as they grow!

Toddlers don’t have a ton of adjectives to describe the way the feel about their parents. They definitely feel, that’s for sure, they just need help to find words for those feelings. While doing these projects help reiterate how important Dad, Aba, Pappa, Baba, Daddy, or Pop is to make that emotional connection through creativity. How much we care about him and what that feels like. It feels good, doesn’t it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Candice Chouinard has worked with youth of all ages and backgrounds, creating and implementing programming for children. She revels in hands-on, long-term, messy projects that are both fun and educational. Candice comes from a background in creative writing, as well as, child development and psychology. She owns and operates a daycare in Northampton, MA.

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