There’s a time of day every parent of a toddler knows well — that tricky window between late afternoon and dinner, when everyone’s a little tired and the world feels a little harder. Some call it “arsenic hour.” I like to call it a time for a little magic. ✨
Here’s one idea that has saved me more than once: water play
For toddlers, water is pure wonder. The sound of droplets falling — plop, plop, plop. The cool feeling on their skin. The sparkle of bubbles. The joy of splashing. It’s like instant calm and curiosity, all wrapped up together.
You don’t need anything fancy. A tub, a few plastic animals, a sponge or face washer, maybe some gentle soap. Suddenly, the animals are splashing, swimming, and even getting a bubble bath. You can join in too — talking about the animals, noticing their shapes and features, maybe even giving them their own silly “voices.”
It doesn’t have to be in the shower — a big bowl of water outside, in the garage or on the kitchen floor (with a towel of course) works beautifully. And here’s the bonus: not only will your toddler be happily absorbed for up to an hour, but their toys will end up clean too! Afterward, you can invite your little one to lay the animals on a towel in the sun — like they’re resting after their big adventure.
But here’s the real magic: it’s not just about keeping them busy. It’s about the moments inside the play.
🌱 Watch for the pure delight and a sense of pride – that look that makes you sooooo proud
🌱 With a cup of tea within reach, take time to sit with them, wonder out loud what will happen if….
🌱 Encourage them to splash, to plop, drip, flick, pour and empty water – it is after all just water and soap
Because it’s in those everyday love notes — the giggles over bubbles, the way you watch their world with curiosity — that our toddlers feel it most: You are safe. Your feelings matter. And this home has room for all of you.