Did you know that Montessori Activities for 18-month-old is essential to your toddler’s future development? According to the American Montessori Society, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners.
They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century, Preparing them for preschool and time with peers is a daunting undertaking – but one which can be helped along with some smart activities at home.
Montessori-based learning has been around for decades, widely recognized as hugely beneficial in providing an early foundation to help children reach their full potential. This post will explore four great methods that make use of things commonly found around the home so you can bring these iconic principles into play today!
Understanding the Montessori Approach for Toddlers
Discovering the Montessori approach for toddlers is like unlocking a secret superpower for parents and educators. This incredible method of early childhood education encourages independence, unleashes self-motivation, and sparks hands-on learning adventures.
With Montessori-trained teachers as their guides, little ones explore a carefully prepared environment where curiosity knows no limits.
Every corner of the classroom becomes a gateway to endless discovery, filled with materials that captivate their minds and nurture development. Montessori education also creates a vibrant sense of community, where children collaborate in a respectful and serene atmosphere.
With the Montessori approach, toddlers become champions of their learning journey, unleashing their unique potential and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of triumph!
Understanding Your 18-Month-Old: Key Developmental Milestones
Seeing our children grow and discover new things is an exciting journey! Your observation about the age of around 18 months is spot on; it’s a time of massive exploration and learning. Here’s a fun, expanded breakdown of what they’re mastering during this phase:
1. The Power of the Pincer
Does your 18 month old grabs all things that they can see? Well, it’s a good sign!
At this age they are training to handle objects with grace and precision, building the foundation for countless tasks ahead.
Also, this period is time for the color sorting game, where each hue becomes a puzzle piece waiting to be placed.
They might not say ‘red,’ ‘blue,’ or ‘green’ just yet, but that won’t stop us from turning them into color commentators.
As they point out the vibrant hues, their excitement will soar, and their language development will take flight. It’s a fun way to engage them in learning without pressure, where joy and curiosity drive their exploration.
2. Language: The Ultimate Power-Up
Get ready to set sail on the linguistic odyssey of your 18-month-old wonder!
It’s a journey filled with word wonders, mini storytelling, and a dash of magic that’ll leave you in awe.
Imagine unlocking a secret language treasure chest, and there they are – words spilling out like shiny jewels! “Mama go,” they say, or “more swing” – aha, a mini storyteller in the making.
Also, this is the time to make the world their language playground. Remember to engage them with rich vocabulary, real-world names, and enchanting reading sessions. We’ll be their language explorers, guiding them through this vibrant linguistic jungle.
But it’s not just about talking; it’s about being their number one fans! When they chatter, lock eyes with them, and cheer them on like they’re the stars of their very own language show. They’ll feel like linguistic champions, empowered to conquer the world with words.
3. Gross Motor Movement: Little Adventurers on the Move
Tired of running after your toddler, do you feel it in your knees?
As parents, we’re happy to see them run around, but it’s tiring, and that’s okay and it’s actually a part of them growing up.
Watch in awe as their tiny feet become steady, and they embark on thrilling adventures. Climbing up stairs, running like lightning, and conquering the ‘Maximum Effort Challenge’ with gusto.
What is the ‘Maximum Effort Challenge,’ you ask?
It’s a special event where they proudly display their strength, showing off their mini muscles by lugging around the heaviest objects they can find. A heavy shopping bag? No problem! They’re your mini muscle superheroes, ready to rescue you with their power!
But it’s not just about showing off; it’s about building confidence, coordination, and physical prowess. With every climb, run, and heave, they’re conquering new frontiers in their gross motor skills.
4. Practical Life Activities: Tiny Heroes in Training
At 18 months, our tiny explorers can already be pros at ‘Operation Clean-Up.’
Armed with their cute little hands and endless curiosity, they’re determined to tackle any spill or mess they encounter. A spilled glass of water becomes a chance to showcase their superhero skills as they grab a cloth and wipe away the evidence of their mess.
As parents, we should praise them and cheerfully applaud their efforts. And once they’re done tidying up, we join in their celebration, clapping and cheering, “Hooray for the cleanup champion!”
I know, It’s incredible to witness how these little kids are already embracing a sense of responsibility and independence at such a young age.
5. Social Development: Little Diplomats on Duty
The journey of our 18-month-old adventurers as they navigate the fascinating world of socialization and self-expression.
This is the time of “Parallel Play Pioneers,” where they’re discovering the joys of teamwork and camaraderie while still maintaining their independent explorer spirit.
Stage 1: Parallel Play Prowess
At this stage, our tiny champions are still mastering the art of “Parallel Play.” It’s like they’re part of a grand orchestra, each playing their instrument (toys) alongside others without yet creating a symphony together. But fear not. This is an essential step in their socialization journey.
Example: Picture your little kid sitting beside a fellow playmate, both engrossed in their toy castles. One builds tall towers while the other constructs imaginary moats. Though they don’t directly interact, they share occasional glances, acknowledging each other’s creative endeavors.
Stage 2: Surroundings Sleuth
As these young adventurers grow, they become keen “Surroundings Sleuths.” Their awareness of the world around them expands, and they start to observe the actions and reactions of those around them, including us, the trusted grown-up guides.
Example: Imagine your child detective observing a game of catch between two older siblings. With bright eyes and a curious smile, they try to mimic the throwing motion with a soft ball, ready to join in on the fun. Even though their throws might not reach the intended target yet, they’re excited to be part of the team.
Stage 3: Collaboration Crusaders
As your child gain confidence, they transform into “Collaboration Crusaders.” Armed with newfound social skills, they’re ready to team up and take on missions with their peers, understanding that shared adventures are even more exciting.
Example: Your child invites a playmate to join in building a fort together. They hand over bricks, exchange ideas with giggles and gestures, and create a magnificent structure that represents the power of collaboration. The shared laughter and accomplishment make their hearts soar!
Stage 4: Expression Explorers
Now comes the time to unleash their creativity as “Expression Explorers.” They’ve honed their communication skills, and nothing can stop them from expressing themselves through play and imagination.
Example: Watch your child takes on the role of a boisterous pirate, donning a cardboard hat and wielding a spoon as their mighty sword. With a hearty “Arrr!” and an infectious grin, they invite other playmates to join their swashbuckling crew, sparking imaginative adventures all around.
Through their developmental journey, these 18-month-old dynamos evolve into little ambassadors in the making. Their natural inclination to connect with others and explore their world sets the stage for future friendships and meaningful relationships. So, let’s cheer them on as they embrace the magic of socialization and self-expression, knowing that they are destined to conquer the realm of play and beyond!
6. Order and Organization: Mini Masterminds at Work
At 18 months, these tiny children are on a quest to conquer the realm of order and organization. Armed with their curious minds and infectious energy, they embark on a developmental journey that’s as fun as it is fascinating.
In the beginning, chaos might seem to reign supreme as they explore their surroundings with boundless enthusiasm.
Toys are scattered, socks are mismatched, and everything seems like an exciting mystery waiting to be unraveled. But fear not, for our Mini Masterminds are quick learners, and they’re about to unlock the secrets of orderliness!
As they grow, they turn into little detectives, carefully observing how things fit together and where they belong. It’s like playing a fun puzzle-solving game!
They’re becoming the experts of arranging blocks by size or nesting cups inside each other, celebrating each successful arrangement with delighted claps and gleeful giggles.
7. The Art of Repetition: Perfecting their Skills
You might have heard the age-old saying, “Monkey see, Monkey do,” and it holds true in this marvelous adventure of parenthood.
As our tiny observers, children are ever-curious and eager to imitate the world around them. From the way we handle everyday tasks to our social interactions and language, they’re keen on mimicking our every move. That’s where our shining moment comes in!
As the lead performers in their developmental play, we have the incredible opportunity to be their role models. By showcasing the right skills and behaviors, we become the inspiration that fuels their learning. So, let’s put on a show they won’t forget! Whether it’s stacking blocks, demonstrating manners, or even trying new words, let’s do it with flair and enthusiasm.
Through the art of repetition, we provide the essential practice ground for their budding skills. While they observe us, they also lay the groundwork for their own talents. It’s like this magical loop of learning – the more they see, the more they do, and the more they do, the more they grow.
So, fellow parents, let’s embrace our role with a balance of fun and strictness. As we guide them through the journey of development, let’s make sure we’re hitting the right notes.
The Importance of Sensory Play in Montessori Activities
Sensory play is a vital aspect of Montessori activities, deeply rooted in the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. This approach to learning encourages children to learn through exploration, manipulation, and interaction with their environment, using all their senses. It underpins several facets of the Montessori method, which understands that a child learns best when their whole self, including their senses, is engaged.
Here are some reasons why sensory play is essential in Montessori activities:
Development of Sensorial Skills: Sensory play is designed to stimulate and develop a child’s senses. It’s a great way for children to explore and naturally use scientific processes while they play, investigate, and discover new sensory experiences.
Cognitive Growth: Sensory activities help in brain development by enhancing memory, attention, and concentration levels. When children use their senses, they are more likely to remember the activity, improving their cognitive growth.
Motor Skill Development: Activities like sorting, pouring, or manipulating materials improve children’s fine motor skills. This helps them build strength and coordination that is useful for future tasks, such as writing.
Language Acquisition: Sensory activities offer children a rich source of descriptive language, such as smooth, rough, soft, hard, cold, or hot, which children can associate with their personal experiences.
Problem-Solving Skills: Through sensory play, children learn to respond to their environment. For example, figuring out how to balance blocks to build a tower involves understanding weight, size, and balance.
Promoting Mindfulness and Calming Effects: Engaging in sensory play can also be a calming and soothing activity, which can help manage children’s anxiety or frustrations. In this way, children are able to engage fully in the task at hand since it cultivates a sense of mindfulness and concentration.
In a Montessori setting, you’ll find a wide range of materials designed to promote sensory play. These include sandpaper letters, color tablets, sound cylinders, and many other specially designed tools. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate an enriching and self-driven learning environment, empowering children to explore and uncover knowledge at their own rhythm and in ways that resonate with them. By integrating sensory play into Montessori activities, we ignite a passion for learning, ignite curiosity, and spark an immersive connection with the world.
DIY Montessori Activities for 18 Month Old
Here are some of the best Montessori activities you can set up for your 18-month-old at home:
DIY Sensory Bins
Get ready to dive into a world of touch and wonder with our DIY Sensory Bins. Picture this: a magical container filled with fascinating materials like soft, squishy sand, slippery rice, twisty pasta, or even shimmering water! The best part? We’ve hidden small toys and everyday items in there for your little explorer to discover and unravel the mysteries of texture and shape!
Sensory play is a powerhouse for your child’s development. It boosts their sensory superpowers, levels up hand-eye coordination, and gives their brain a high five for cognitive growth. It’s not just fun, it’s FUNtastic.
How to Create the Magic: Find a large, shallow container and gather a variety of materials like sand, rice, pasta, or water. Throw in some tiny toys or household items for the ultimate treasure hunt. Now watch as your little one’s eyes light up with joy and curiosity as they explore the sensory wonderland you’ve created.
Sorting Game
Step right up to the Colorful Carnival of Sorting.
Get ready for a dazzling adventure where colors come alive, and your little one becomes the master sorter! Behold the magical colored pom poms and the enchanting bowls waiting to be filled with vibrant hues.
Sorting games are not only entertaining but also fantastic for your child’s cognitive development. By arranging the pom poms by color or size, they refine their problem-solving skills, enhance their visual discrimination, and nurture their understanding of patterns and categories.
How to Create the Carnival Magic: Gather an array of brightly colored pom poms and a collection of charming bowls. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they sort the pom poms into their designated color or size bowls.
Witness the joy on their face as they conquer the sorting challenge with flair.
Matching Activity
Gather your little adventurer as we embark on a thrilling mission of connections and discoveries. Behold the enchanted cards, each adorned with delightful animals, fascinating shapes, or familiar objects – all waiting to find their mystical twins.
Matching activities are a magical way to boost your child’s memory and cognitive abilities. As they pair up the cards, they enhance their visual recognition, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Plus, the joy of finding matches builds their confidence and sense of accomplishment.
How to Begin the Quest: Print or draw two sets of enchanting images, making sure they’re captivating and easily recognizable. Laminate them to add a touch of magic and ensure they withstand the adventures to come.
Clothespin Activity
Step right up to the grand arena where your little champ will master the art of opening and closing wooden clothespins with finesse.
The thrilling task? To attach these clever clippers to the edge of a thin cardboard or a cloth with the grace of a gymnast.
The Clothespin Olympics is not just a thrilling game; it’s a powerful way to develop your child’s fine motor skills. By manipulating these tiny wooden wonders, they strengthen their hand muscles, improve hand-eye coordination, and enhance their dexterity – all essential skills for future writing and drawing adventures!
How to Begin: Gather some wooden clothespins and provide your child with a thin cardboard or cloth to perform their feats of finger gymnastics. Show them how to open and close the clothespins, and watch as they take on the challenge.
Stacking Blocks
Welcome to the Kingdom of Stacking Spectacles, where your little architect will embark on an extraordinary journey of balance and creativity.
Behold the magnificent wooden blocks and charming cups, waiting to be transformed into towering wonders. It all begins with big dreams and bigger blocks, and as they conquer each level, the challenge rises like a real life game.
Stacking blocks is not only super fun, but also an amazing way to boost your little one’s cognitive and motor skills! As they expertly place each block, they’ll develop a keen sense of space, problem-solving superpowers, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
How to Start the Stacking: Begin the adventure with a collection of larger wooden blocks or cups. Encourage your little builder to create their first majestic tower. As they become tower masters, sprinkle in smaller items to keep the challenge soaring to new heights.
Playdough Exploration
Get ready for a super fun and moldable adventure in the vibrant realm of Playdough Playland!
Who steals the spotlight? Playdough – a magical substance that’s ready to be shaped, stretched, and sculpted by your little artist.
Playdough exploration is not just about sensory delight; it’s a gateway to nurturing your child’s creativity and fine motor skills. As they knead, mold, and cut, they strengthen their hand muscles, improve hand-eye coordination, and unleash their artistic flair.
How to Create Playdough Playland: Prepare a batch of colorful playdough, each hue representing a world of possibilities. Offer cookie cutters, rolling pins, and other exciting tools to enhance their creative play. Watch as your little artist transforms simple balls of dough into awesome sculptures and creations.
In Playdough Playland, the magic is in your child’s hands. So, unleash the power of imagination, from playful pancakes to whimsical creatures, the only limit is their creativity.
Treasure Basket
Picture a wondrous basket brimming with a treasure trove of everyday items – each with its own unique texture, shape, and size.
From the sturdy wooden spoons to the soft fabric scraps and shiny metal bowls, this treasure basket promises to ignite your child’s curiosity and sense of wonder.
The Treasure Basket is not just a collection of items; it’s a portal to endless learning and sensory development. As your child picks up, touches, and examines each treasure, they enhance their sensory perception, fine motor skills, and cognitive understanding of the world around them.
How to Set the Stage for Discovery: Prepare a captivating basket filled with a variety of items that are safe for exploration. You can include wooden spoons, fabric scraps, metal bowls, and any other intriguing objects you can find around the house. Place the basket in a cozy, inviting space and watch your little adventurer embark on a journey of delightful discoveries.
Pouring Practice
Have you ever experienced going to eat to a restaurant, the waiter gives you water with the pitcher, and suddenly your kid wants to pour all of the water in to your glasses?
This is perfect for you!
Train them at pouring practice at home is more than just a fun activity; it’s a vital step in your child’s development. As they carefully pour water from one container to another, they strengthen their hand muscles, improve hand-eye coordination, and refine their pouring precision – essential skills for daily tasks and future independence.
How to Create the Water Pouring Station: Find small, child-sized pitchers and cups, and set them up at the Water Pouring Station. Fill a larger container with water and place it alongside the pitchers and cups. Show your little water wizard how to pour, and guide them.
Edible Finger Painting
Eating, who doesn’t love and need it?
With edible paints made from creamy yogurt and vibrant food coloring, the canvas becomes a scrumptious playground for their imagination.
Edible finger painting is not just a tasty treat; it’s a delightful way to nurture your child’s artistic expression and sensory development. As they dip their fingers into the creamy colors, they enhance their fine motor skills, stimulate their imagination, and explore the joy of creative self-expression.
How to Set the Stage for Finger-Painting Magic: Mix up a delightful palette of edible paints using plain yogurt and a selection of food coloring. Arrange the paints on a child-friendly palette or individual containers, and enjoy!
Nature Walk
Want to also teach your kid to be active? Walking is great!
Get ready to embark on a thrilling Nature Walk, where the air is fresh, the sun smiles down, and treasures of leaves, sticks, and stones are waiting to be discovered. Each find is a precious memento from Mother Nature’s treasure chest.
It’s more than just a stroll in the park. It’s a magical chance for your child to bond with the natural world, collecting leaves, sticks, and stones. They’ll explore their senses, sharpen observation skills, and discover the colorful, shapely wonders of the great outdoors. Nature’s classroom awaits!
How to Begin the Nature Expedition: Venture outside with your child and a basket or bag ready for collecting. Encourage them to explore their surroundings and gather natural treasures they find along the way. Once home, create a sorting station where your little nature explorer can group their finds by size, color, or type – a delightful display of nature’s splendor.
Homemade Musical Instruments
Is your kid the next musical artist? Making homemade musical instruments are one of the ways.
Make simple musical instruments from household items. For example, a sealed container filled with rice makes a great shaker.
This is not just a musical adventure; it’s a symphony of learning and creativity. As your child experiments with homemade instruments, they develop their sense of rhythm, improve hand-eye coordination, and ignite their passion for music and sound.
How to Create the Melodic Magic: Gather an assortment of household items that can double as musical instruments – from rice-filled shakers to rubber band guitars and oatmeal container drums. Let your child’s imagination lead the way as they craft their very own melody-making masterpieces.
Large-Piece Puzzles
Want to improve your kids solving skills? Puzzles are awesome for that!
This is not just a puzzle party; it’s a brain-boosting experience for your child. As they piece together each puzzle, they improve their problem-solving skills, boost their spatial reasoning, and enhance their visual perception – all while basking in the joy of their colorful accomplishments.
How to Create the Puzzle Wonderland: Pick simple puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces and captivating, brightly colored images. Lay out the puzzle pieces and see your little puzzler’s excitement soar as they embark on their puzzling game.
Mirror Play
Mirror, mirror, on the wall,
Who’s the fairest of them all?
In the enchanted land of mirror play,
Your child’s curiosity will hold sway!
Mirror play is more than just seeing one’s reflection; it’s a powerful tool for your child’s development. As they interact with their reflection, they build self-recognition, enhance their social-emotional skills, and spark curiosity about their own amazing selves.\
How to Begin the Mirror Adventure: Put a safe, unbreakable mirror at your child’s eye level and see the magic unfold! Watch as they are drawn into the enchanting world of self-discovery. Encourage them to playfully interact with their reflection – from making funny faces to waving and smiling at themselves. The Mirror play is a delightful game full of surprises, where they’ll find joy in discovering themselves.
Ball Roll
Is your kid the next Jordan or LeBron?
Well, let’s find out with the thrilling game of Ball Roll for kids!
Grab a large, bouncy ball, and get ready to ignite their athletic potential and have a ball-tastic time together. Rolling the ball back and forth with your little champ not only fosters bonding but also hones their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills – essential qualities for future sports stars.
Get ready for some heartwarming moments of teamwork and laughter as you both enjoy the Ball Roll adventure. Who knows, with every roll and catch, you might just be witnessing the rise of the next basketball legend.
Household Chores
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Clean!
Engaging your child in enjoyable household tasks can be a wonderful way to instill a sense of responsibility and foster a strong bond within the family. Simple chores like wiping the table after meals or sorting laundry can be turned into fun activities for them to be a part of the family crew.
When you involve your child in wiping the table, you can make it a playful game by using colorful and soft cloths. Encourage them to wipe away the crumbs and spills, showing them how they are contributing to keeping the dining area clean and tidy. Praising their efforts and teamwork will make them feel appreciated and motivated to continue helping out.
Sorting laundry can also be an enjoyable experience for your child. Teach them to categorize clothes based on colors or types (e.g., shirts, pants, socks). Make it exciting by turning it into a sorting challenge or playing some music while you work together. Let them know that their participation in this task is making a significant contribution to the family’s well-being.
As they help with these household chores, emphasize the sense of togetherness and shared purpose. Express gratitude for their assistance, letting them know that they are valued members of the family crew. This positive reinforcement will encourage a delightful feeling of belonging and a strong sense of responsibility in your child.
Don’t forget, the magic lies in captivating your child with activities that set their senses on fire and unleash those motor skills in heroic ways! Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce them to key concepts like sorting and matching. Be patient and remember to praise their efforts. Most importantly, make sure the activities are fun and enjoyable for them!
Transitioning to Montessori Activities for 18 24 Month Old
Transitioning your toddler into Montessori activities requires a gentle approach. By implementing activities that encourage independence, coordination, language development, and sensory exploration, you can facilitate your child’s growth and development while adhering to the Montessori philosophy. Here are some activities appropriate for 18-24-month-old toddlers:
Practical Life Activities: Toddlers love to mimic adult activities, so provide them with opportunities to engage in practical life skills. This can include using a small broom and dustpan, wiping a table with a damp cloth, using a child-safe knife to cut soft fruits, watering plants, or carrying items in a small basket.
Sensory Play: Sensory bins, using items like rice, pasta, or water beads, can be a great exploration activity. Add in various scoops, cups, and containers to enhance their fine motor skills.
Shape and Color Sorting: Sorting is a great cognitive development activity. You can use colored blocks, pom poms, or buttons and sort them by color or size into different containers.
Language Development: Introduce new vocabulary regularly through books, songs, and conversations. Using Montessori language baskets with objects and corresponding cards can help here.
Nature Exploration: Regularly spend time outdoors for physical activity and exploration. You can have a nature tray at home where your child can place their ‘discoveries’ from their nature walks.
Puzzles and Building Blocks: Simple puzzles and blocks can aid in the development of hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Art and Craft: Provide age-appropriate art materials for self-expression and creativity. This could include large, toddler-friendly crayons, chunky paintbrushes, or even just water and a brush for ‘painting’ on construction paper or the sidewalk.
Music and Movement: Use instruments or play music and encourage your child to dance and move around.
FAQs
How can I create DIY Montessori activities for my 18-month-old?
Montessori activities could be just what you need! While it may seem daunting to create activities that are aligned with Montessori principles, it’s actually much simpler than you might think. For example, you can create a DIY sensory bin for your little one by filling a container with different materials like dried beans or rice, and adding in small objects for your child to discover. Another idea is to create a matching game with household objects – simply collect pairs of similar items like spoons, socks, or pencils and have your child match them up.
How do Montessori activities change as my child grows from 18 to 24 months?
At this age, your little one is turning into a mini detective, ready to explore the world! Montessori activities unlock their inner Sherlock Holmes, stimulating language, cognitive, and social development. From sorting and pouring to shape sorting and jigsaw puzzles, they’ll be cracking the codes of learning. And let’s not forget the messy fun with finger painting and molding clay – sensory adventures that are always a hit!
What skills can my child develop through Montessori activities?
Montessori activities: the secret sauce for skillful little geniuses! Kids gain independence, confidence, and self-motivation, all while having a blast with hands-on learning! Plus, they get to sharpen their fine motor skills, hand-to-eye coordination, and sensory awareness. And that’s not all – these activities even turn your child into a social superstar. Teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills? They’ve got it covered!
How can I use Montessori activities to enhance my child’s language development?
For instance, using Montessori sandpaper letters can get your child acquainted with each letter’s shape and sound. Playing matching games with objects and their names can also help boost your child’s vocabulary.
Conclusion
Thanks for joining us on this blog post about Montessori activities for 18 month old toddlers. We’ve gone over some amazing activities that can help your little one learn valuable skills and have a lot of fun in the process! From Montessori furniture for their bedroom to puzzles, stacking blocks, musical instruments, play dough, and more – there’s something special for every toddler in the Montessori educational system.
Discover the myriad of ways to ignite the joy of learning with these captivating activities.Now that you’ve aced the basics, dive into each endeavor to unleash your child’s full potential. Remember, every 18-month-old is unique, so explore their interests before taking the plunge. Best of luck on this exciting adventure with your little sidekick.
Now that you’ve aced the basics, dive into each endeavor to unleash your child’s full potential. Remember, every 18-month-old is unique, so explore their interests before taking the plunge. Best of luck on this exciting adventure with your kid!