Contrary to what you probably have heard, toddlers are not terrors. The twos are not terrible. They can be a lot of fun. The trick is to relax and enjoy this time.

Sure, there are times when some discipline is required. Now is the time to be training them so when they get older there will be very little need for any discipline.

But most two and three year olds want to please their parents. Often a temper tantrum or disobedience is caused by one of several things: tiredness, over-stimulation, or hunger pains. If you do not thing your two-year-old is being difficult because of any of these, then you need to let the child know, with patience, that you are in control.

Little people need to be kept busy so they can stay out of trouble, so finding an activity for toddlers that they really enjoy is always viewed as a bonus.

In my house music was always part of our daily life. I like classical music and hymns so that is what my kids grew up with. Now they like classical music and hymns.

I also played cassettes with children singing simple songs. A fun one to start with is singing the alphabet. This activity for toddlers is not only fun for them but it’s educational as well.

After they’ve learned how to carry a simple tune you can add more songs to their repertoire. There are several software programs that parents can use with their children that teach them to sing-a-long by use of colorful graphics.

Some of the old standards are being introduced to children this way and they pick up on not only the song but also a few rudimentary computer skills as well.

If you’d like to keep you child away from the home computer for a few more years, consider purchasing a DVD that includes songs for preschoolers. You’ll find this type of activity for toddlers DVDs in many toy departments of discount stores. Kids love watching television so why not make it something educational as well as appealing to them?

Some children are just born with a sense of natural rhythm. You can usually spot these children as they are the ones moving in tune when dancing to a song on the radio.

A fun activity for toddlers with the rhythmically gifted child is to buy them a simple instrument to play. Perhaps small bongo drums, a harmonica or a percussion triangle.

One of the best things we bought for our children was a musical instrument set. It has a drum, tambourine, and other percussion instruments. Although all the noise it provides may make you cringe, it’s a fun way for the child to express their blossoming musical talents.

Music is a perfect pastime for small children. They are uninhibited enough to dance at whim and they love singing out loud once they know the words to a song.

Introducing music to your child at an early helps it become a natural part of their life. It’s an ideal and welcomed activity for toddlers and children of all ages.