Milestones are great to track, as long as parents don't get too hung up on timelines and comparisons. And there are all kinds of important milestones. Things such as potty training and knowing not to wipe boogers on other people's clothes are the things kids should know before they start preschool. (Or at least start to know — no pressure!) But there are other types of big moments for kids — more like a bucket list — and this list reflects the things kids should be doing and experiencing before they begin to age out of that baby phase. These things are exactly that — they capture the fun, the excitement, the freedom, and the pure joy of being a toddler.
Remember those days? The carefree sunshiney times of youth when the biggest worries were if the ice cream would melt before finishing it all? That is exactly the spirit captured here. These are the things that toddlers should experience and parents can sit back and watch as their sweet little ones relish in every moment of it. This is the kind of stuff that turn out to be Instagram's finest snaps, a collection of firsts, so full of wonderment. These moments make the sweetest memories and they are some of the best activities and bits of everyday life.
There are so many great joys to being a kid. And this list of things every kid should do before preschool is a sampling of the favorites. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun to live out their own bucket list of sorts.
Get really messy with paint.
Wearing a smock or clothes meant to get dirty, preschoolers should be able to paint to their heart's content without worrying about getting super messy. It's a beautiful thing to witness a child getting creative without any confines.
Have playdates.
The early months of baby's life tend to be all about family, but as the little ones get older, playdates are a rite of passage. Allowing kids to interact with each other helps them to build friendships outside of the family unit.
Participate in independent "swimming."
Swimming once meant being attached to mama's arms, but with some kind of floatation device (and an adult right there still super close), swimming solo gives a kid a new sense of independence.
Ride a train.
There is a reason so many kids love trains and that is because they are awesome! There's something quite incredible about taking in the sights while on a fast-moving train car. Let kids explore their wanderlust this way.
Catch fireflies.
Not only is watching the night sky for fireflies awesome, catching (and then releasing) them is magical, too. This activity is best on summer nights, when fireflies love to shine bright.
Draw a self-portrait.
Yes, everyone loves taking photographs every year of a child's life and documenting their growth that way. It's a great tradition. Add to it by having kids draw a self-portrait from their toddler years on up.
Feel sand between their toes.
So many babies seem to dislike the feel of sand between their toes, but as kids get a little older, the beach becomes one giant sandbox of fun.
Run barefoot in the grass.
Shoes-off rules don't just apply to in the house. When outside in the gorgeous grass, remove shoes and truly feel in touch with the earth. It's not only a grounding experience for kids but it also creates a sense of fun and freedom. Adults should try it too.
Play in the rain.
Maybe everyone should try umbrellas to protect from the sun but bathe in the rain. Playing in puddles and rain is an incredible exploratory experience for kids. So what if they need a bath afterward?
Pet sweet farm animals.
The kindness in the eyes of animals when they meet little loving souls is just adorable. Kids learn to love all living things and see the delicacy of life.
Master the goodbye.
Goodbyes can be hard — this is why so many adults leave events without saying goodbye to anyone. And for kids, saying goodbye can be even more difficult because they don't want the fun or the security of being where they are or who they are with to end. Helping kids get better at saying goodbye helps them transition well. Sometimes making the next thing the next great adventure can help.
Dress themselves.
This is a milestone and task that can be made into fun. All the buttons, snaps, and zippers on kids' clothes can be a challenge, but let the little ones try to do it all themselves. It's great for dexterity and fine motor skills, and parents can lend a hand when needed. Bonus points for any parent that allows their kids to pick out their own clothes.
Pick fresh fruit.
Heading to the apple orchard and strawberry farm is a must for all kids. Not only does it help to show them where some of their favorite sweets come from, but they may even have more interest and pride when eating what they picked.
Roll down a hill.
Parents are often worried about their child falling, but what if the tables were turned and it was encouraged? Kids get to live a little more wildly when they can roll down hills with abandon. Of course, they should do so safely.
Ride a bike.
There shouldn't be any pressure to ride without training wheels, so any way a child can ride a bike is best. Whether it's a balance bike, one with training wheels, or even a scooter, riding with the wind is a rite of passage that kids will remember forever.
Play in leaves.
There's something about the sound of the crunch of fallen leaves that makes people want to just jump in. When kids do just that, it's sheer excitement.
Believe in magic.
When kids are little, they believe in magic. Things such as the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa are very real to some little ones. Whatever a person believes in, that magical belief should be embraced. Who wouldn't want to live in a world where unicorns are real and falling stars grant wishes?
