What do creative activities look like with a toddler?

Some of my favorite early memories are of the art projects I did with my mom. As a pandemic parent to a fiery toddler, I've relied on those moments for inspiration on rainy days. Whether you're here in solidarity or hoping for ideas, here's what I've learned in two years time:

Embrace the mess. Whether it's with crayons, paint, Play-doh, or (gasp) glitter, try not to get caught up in the destruction unless something really expensive or important is in your kid's path. It's worth it for the experience and cleaning up together is also creative play!

Don't be afraid of new mediums. Let your kid be an excuse to try something you've never done before. Today's the day to learn how to play an instrument, even if it's badly. Keep it cheap! Get outside and work with the tools in your backyard. Mud pies are a classic for a reason.

Tandem play isn't just for kids. If you feel inspired to journal or draw, ask your kid if they'd like to join you and work on your creations together, but apart. It's still valuable time to them, since you're likely who they want to be when they grow up.

It's okay if you struggle with imaginary play. Your child can be leader if you're not one for inventing fantasy worlds. Let them feel out their independence in a low-risk environment. Bonus points for the parents: listening to their stories is like a very confusing audiobook.

Less is more. Don't feel obligated to buy every art kit on the market. My son will always choose a couple crayons or some chalk over a complicated painting project. I'm still learning to remove the clutter from the table. They don't need much to be impressed!

Lean on your libraries. Almost every children's wing of any library I've been to has had hands-on activities right at toddler eye-level. If you're running out of ideas or room for art on the fridge, spend an afternoon with librarians who would love to have kids come play.

Dance parties count! Put together a playlist with a mix of everyone's favorite songs. Make it a routine and watch them look forward to it every week. They won't always want to dance with you, so even on the longest days, five minutes teaching them the Macarena is worth it.

Repetition is boring for adults, but fantastic for toddlers. Try to stifle that groan if you see the same costume for the eighth day in a row. You might be in the same predictable conversation with a dragon, but your kid is developing new skills (fire-breathing included).

Let go and be a kid again. There's something pure about a kid's imagination and the confidence that comes with it. I find myself coloring in pages or building clay animals long after my son has moved on. Reinforce their fearlessness and bottle some of that magic, too.