Stuffed Animal Delivery Drive

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), Toddlers (1 to 3)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 2 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

This activity builds the big muscles in your child's arms and shoulders. When your toddler pushes a heavy basket, they are getting great heavy work input. This helps them feel where their body is in space. It also works on balance as they navigate across the floor.

Steps

Use your masking tape to mark a large parking square on a smooth floor or rug.
Place your child's favorite stuffed animal inside the basket.
Ask your child to add several blocks to the basket to make it heavy for the delivery.
Have your child stand behind the basket and place both hands on the rim.
Encourage your toddler to push the basket slowly across the room toward the tape square.
Cheer for them when they park the delivery right inside the lines!

Safety tip: CHOKING HAZARD: This activity uses small blocks and tape. Always supervise your child closely and keep small parts away from the mouth.

Make it easier

Start with just the stuffed animal and one or two big blocks so the basket is light.
Play on a smooth floor, where the basket slides more easily than on a rug.
Make the parking square big and close by.

Make it harder

Add more blocks or a few books to make the load heavier.
Tape a winding road for your child to follow to the parking square.
Pull the basket backward into the parking square.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child leans in with straight arms and pushes from the legs.
Watch how your child steers, with small pushes to adjust or big shoves.
See whether your child slows down near the square to park inside the lines.

Where this helps in daily life

Pushing a heavy basket builds the strength and steering kids use to push open heavy doors, push a toy stroller or a shopping cart, and help carry groceries in.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.