Traction Entertainment

"Exactly how does one restrain entertain a strong-willed and active toddler for four weeks of traction?"  This was one of the first questions to pop into our minds once the treatment plan was established.  By default, all toddlers are active and defiant, but when you envision yours under four weeks of captivity, it feels as though your own child will surpass all children who set precedent for this treatment and be certain to destroy that pvc pipe contraption in one tantrum.  (Yes, you read that correctly- the traction device is made of pvc pipe.)  Eight days prior to placing our hippie into traction, I embarked upon a shopping trip with a singular purpose: To discover means of ensuring one month of our sanity her happiness.

Inspired by our zoo adventure, I could not resist the Jambo-ree giraffe maracas pictured above.  I also purchased Jambo-ree's "parum pum pum" percussion set, to include a drum, tambourine, and jingle bells (all at Target).  As much as our hippie loves music, I wonder whether "upside-down music time" could become a new household routine.   I envision opportunity for her to beat her frustration into a drum or shake it out via maracas.  Crayola has a clever Color Wonder line of products, for which the marker, fingerpaint, etc. only works on special Crayola paper (as opposed to furniture, flooring, clothing).  A few of these treasures also found their way into my basket, as well as a couple of standard coloring books and extra crayons.

Our local Learning Express store has a plethora of creative toys and is often a favorite shop for birthday gift purchases.  I found a large, sparkly, padded lap desk to prop up and a Tots Art Start Kit.  I plan to tape construction paper, paper plates, etc to the lap desk so she can still scribble, stamp, or glue while laying down.  Usborne "First Sticker Books" also looked to be a creative, interactive option.  I purchased several.

Fortunately, our Hip Chick is heavily addicted to storytime and we have a public library within a very brief driving distance.  We also have a Kindle loaded with toddler games and a couple of educational, interactive electronic toys, such as this English/Spanish alphabet board my husband purchased by Kid Connection.  Rumor has it that additional contributions to our entertainment reserves are on their way, so I am hopeful that we will have plenty of options to keep her mind active.  If all else fails, we are unopposed to a little extra Yo Gabba Gabba, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or Bubble Guppies for the time being.

There's a cliche regarding "best laid plans," but we hope we squirreled away enough activity for her.  At least for the first week!