| Keeping your young children cool and occupied | | | | 3. Mixing it up |
| during the summer is so easy. Take one (or | | | | You will need: Plastic containers, cold water, warm |
| more) littlies, add water and a whole lot of fun - | | | | water, and everyday powders like flour, cocoa, |
| that equals hours of enjoyment. Although a small | | | | sugar, spoons, whisk, egg beater, jug or bottle |
| paddling pool is ideal, a large plastic tub works just | | | | Kids love mixing...let your little one experiment with |
| as well. In fact, while away on holiday one year, | | | | mixing different amounts of water to the various |
| we improvised with a recycling bin lined with the | | | | powders. Then change the temperature of the |
| plastic mat we put on the floor under the | | | | water and offer different implements to stir, |
| children's table! Here are 5 easy activity ideas to | | | | whisk and beat the mixtures with. |
| do with your toddlers and preschoolers: | | | | 4. Water Play - All in |
| 1. Water Painting | | | | You will need: A large tub of water (a small |
| You will need: Paint brush and a bucket of water | | | | paddling pool is better), everything from your |
| Many parents are not keen on doing painting with | | | | kitchen that could make water fun - funnel, |
| their kids because of the mess. A clean, fun | | | | eggbeater, whisk, jugs, sieve, colander, straws |
| alternative is for them to use a paint brush and | | | | On a hot, sunny day there is nothing like water to |
| water outside. They can paint water pictures onto | | | | keep your little ones occupied. A large tub of |
| any flat surface or use the brush and water to | | | | water and lots of equipment to experiment with |
| clean their bike or toys. Use the type of paint | | | | will keep them engaged and cool for a long time. |
| brush you would use for painting furniture. | | | | 5. Water Stamping |
| 2. Floating and Sinking | | | | You will need: Sponges and a bucket of water |
| You will need: a tub or bucket of water, a | | | | Water Stamping is a variation on water painting |
| selection of items, eg. a shell, a pebble, a leaf, a | | | | that is fun and easy. Try "stamping" with anything |
| flower, a plastic container, a sponge, a plastic | | | | - make hand prints, foot prints and cut sponges |
| block | | | | into fun stamping shapes. |
| This is a great learning activity. Give your child a | | | | Finally, please remember the water safety |
| range of items to experiment with to see if they | | | | message - it is important to supervise young |
| float or sink in the tub of water. Then let them | | | | children around water. |
| choose some items for themselves. | | | | |