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Show us a little kid and a big box and we’ll show you a little kid IN a big box! Kids love the boxes almost as much as they love what’s inside. And with the continued popularity of on-line shopping, parents have more shipping boxes on hand than ever before.This next post in our DIY Toddler Play Props series features a few fun ideas for transforming a cardboard shipping box into play props your toddler will love.

Robot

Your child can design their own 2-D friend using a flattened cardboard shipping box. Simply cut the tape on the top and bottom of a large shipping box, cut one the side of the box open, then open the box so it’s lying flat. Using a marker, outline a robot shape, complete with a square head, rectangular  body, and legs. Use a box cutter to cut him out. Let your child color the robot with paint, markers, or crayons, and then add found items to adorn it. Collect coils, wire, switches, buttons, screws, washers, and other spare parts and press or glue them into place to bring your creation to life.

Shape Sorter

A large cardboard box makes a great DIY shape sorter! Start by cutting the flaps off one end of the box and turning it over, so the open side is on the bottom. Next, outline the basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) in different sizes on each side of the box. Cut them out with a box cutter and trace around their edges with brightly colored markers, then watch as your little one attempts to place balls, blocks, and other shaped objects into the openings. Lift the box to remove the objects inside and begin again!

Play Fort

Let’s face it—there’s nothing as much fun as a fort to a toddler. Simply cut the flaps off a square shipping box, cut a door into one side, and voila! Your toddler will delight in doing her own decorating using paints, markers, and stickers. Add some crepe paper curtains over the door for the perfect finishing touch.

Race Car

Rev up the fun with a DIY race car your little one helps you design! Start by cutting the flaps off of the short sides of a large shipping box and setting them aside. Tape the long side flaps down, then cut a hole large enough for your child to climb into. Now, the fun begins. Paint the box letting your child roll, sponge, and brush the color alongside you. Add racing stripes and other decorations and don’t forget to paint four, large, black wheels, two on each side. When your paint is dry, use a box cutter to slice a slot from the hole on the top of the box all the way down the middle of one side to create a car door that really opens and closes. Cut the center out of a paper plate and staple it into position for the perfect DIY play prop—a steering wheel.There are many other things to create—stackable washer/dryer combos, ovens, airplanes, and other amazing play props. A quick online search will reveal some fun ideas. Or you can visit our blog to read all the DIY Toddler Play Prop posts, including ideas for paper towel and TP tubes, shoe boxes, pizza boxes, and popsicle sticks. 

The time is upon us. Before the leaves even bud on the trees, Mom and Dad need to decide how their children’s summer months will be spent. All day? Half day? Sleep away? Trying to navigate summer camp options can be unnerving. Take a few deep breaths and read the advice below.

The Dos

Do take your time to pour over the flyers and websites of different camps. Getting familiar with what’s out there is worth the effort. And it’s not just your local park district or private camps offering up options this summer. Check places of worship, your child’s school, local play spaces, libraries, or even museums for their seasonal offerings.Do be sure to find a camp that fits your child’s interests. Is your child more interested in the visual arts? Find a sculpting or painting camp. Does your child love building and experimenting? There are more STEM-based camp offerings than ever. There are also theater, dance, sports camps and more! Thankfully, there are plenty of specialized opportunities for your camper.Do familiarize yourself with the before- and after-care options of day camp. If camp is only offered from 9 a.m. to noon, what options do you have after camp is over? Some day camps even offer bus rides to and from camp.Do research payment terms. Writing a big check in January for camp can feel unsettling for an event that’s still six months away. Explore payment installment options, sibling discounts, or vacations rebates for the camp you’ve chosen.Do make sure you know the camp’s safety parameters. If the program you’ve selected includes a lake or pool option, find out if campers must pass a swimming test to go in. What is the ratio of campers to counselors? How often do campers stop to reapply sunscreen? When it comes to your child, there are no over-precautions.

The Dont's

Don’t wait. While it’s daunting to decide in the cold months how your child will spend their summer, scrambling at the last minute feels much worse. Educate yourself on the options and cross it off your list.Don’t try to coordinate camp with your child’s friends, especially when they are in first grade or under. If their friends’ schedules work out, terrific. If it doesn’t, your child will toddle of to the camp and make new friends. Trying to synchronize calendars with their besties can be nearly impossible.Don’t spring a brand new activity or sport on your child for camp. Sure, a weeklong golf camp sounds awesome, but what if day one is a disaster? Stick to your child’s interests.Don’t schedule every second in the summer. As they say, its summertime and the livin’ is easy. Try not to forget that your child has worked hard all school year and deserves some downtime. If your work allows for summer hours on Fridays, make sure your child isn’t at camp at the same time. Searching for sticks and running through the sprinkler in the backyard is good old-fashioned fun your child has earned.Doing all of these things will help your little camper enjoy their summer months!