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At the Field

Keep Your Toddler Entertained and Safe at Sporting Events

By Melinda Copp

Keep in mind that this approach will likely have temporary results. Your toddler will eventually get comfortable in the game atmosphere and need to find something else to remain entertained within it. Toddlers are busy little people, and they have a lot of things to do at a ball field. So don't go it alone. Bring a friend or grandparent if both parents aren't available to help keep the little guy busy. And if things get too stressful, think about leaving the field and taking a walk around the area with your toddler as a distraction.

Outside adventures pose a number of hazards for toddlers – add bleachers and things become even riskier. To keep your toddler safe at an older sibling's event, bring a blanket or playpen and set up in the grass somewhere far away from the climbing temptation of the bleachers. Just be wary of areas prone to foul balls and other game-related hazards.

Also, make sure you pack hand sanitizer for fast clean ups when your toddler grabs something gross off the ground; sunscreen and a hat for afternoon games; bug repellant; and plenty of water to keep hydrated in the summer heat. Snacks that travel well, such as pretzels and raisins, will help keep your toddler satisfied. And try to plan naptimes around games so your toddler will be well rested and in a positive mood for the event.

Your child's game is a time for you to show your support, but bringing along a toddler sibling can disrupt this objective. Therefore, you need to put your parenting skills into overdrive to satisfy each child's needs.

"Do not expect to focus all of your attention on the game," says Bob Lancer, host of the radio show Bob Lancer's Parenting Solutions and author of Parenting with Love, Without Anger or Stress

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
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• Youth Sports vs. Time Together: 6 Tips for Finding Balance and Reclaiming Family
• Talk about it!

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