TODDLER TEA PARTIES & THEIR BENEFITS!

Tea parties around our house aren't just an opportune time for me to sit down to a hot cuppa. Every tea party is an event here. My daughter is only 2, but we use glass, real tea plates and tea cups, etc. Granted, she doesn't actually drink tea (she drinks her almond milk), but it is an amazing time for her to hone in on a lot of little skills each time. Except for me carrying in the larger items, she puts everything where she wants and it and she does a fantastic job. She chooses the animals she would like to join for that day, who gets which plate and cup, where they sits...she is a wonderful little hostess. She makes sure that everyone is comfortable...puts a washcloth over them if she believes them to be cold and then we make sure to have engaging conversation with each friend. She has learned to thank them all for coming to the tea party, asking them about their morning and so on while we have classical music playing low in the background. She pours her own tea cup full of almond milk and helps clear it all away when we are done. Although it's all pretend at this point with stuffed animals, she is learning each time to care for her friends, to serve them, to ask about them and get an extra chance to work with delicate dishes that she knows to be very careful with. 

Do you have a boy? Tea parties are great for them too!! Call them something else if you want...a picnic, a mug & plate party, whatever you like. Give them the tools to create the atmosphere they want and then guide them in helping their "friends", make sure they have food and drink, asking about their day...it really gives an awesome opportunity for even boys to sit quietly and create conversation using their imaginations! AND....mama gets to sit down for a hot cup of something delicious too! Big win for everyone! Happy tea partying to you dear friends!