Son is hopefully going to have access to his 2 year old daughter at a contact centre shortly. He hasn't seen her for 18 months, so she won't know him anymore. He will be having an hour on his own first of all, then we can in for an hour with him.
Have never had to go to a contact centre before, so am not sure what will be there. We are trying to get things together for when he goes - things that will help him interact with her and keep her attention as he will be having supervised visiting. Can anyone suggest what would be good for taking with him. We have bought some books with a soft toy, so thought he could take one per visit but that won't occupy an hour. Wondered about chunky crayons and a colouring book that they could do together or magic painting but that might make a mess. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
...you could give the centre a call and ask if there are refreshments on offer, if not i would also take something to drink and some snacks.
I think there are usually toys and things for them to play with there but it would be nice to take some extras, again talk to,the centre about it.
BUBBLES!!!!! always a winner. Go to the local poundland store - they sell bubble devices that produce 100s of bubbles, he'll be the pied piper all the kids will be dazzled 🙂 - just check the centre doesnt mind the potential mess 🙂
BALLOONS will always stimulate childrens minds - again a poundland job.
Other things like torches and 2 piece jigsaw puzzles.
At 2 she'll be a bit chatty so fluffy cuddly toys of course are good and a little book, once the bond is reestablished to read her a story. There are a few interactive books with hand puppets on them available from Tescos. I suspect shell also like either in the night garden but more likely peppa pig as themes.
Pack some snacks
Good luck x
My 2 year old grandson loves bubbles and Peppa Pig! Great suggestions Boycie!
Some wonderful suggestions there, thank you. It has been such a long time since my boys were little - you forget.
I bought loads of story books with cuddly toys that go with the story in the sale just after Christmas for this very reason but was worried as they won't occupy her for the whole 2 hours.
Charity shops are a good source of all sorts of stuff, including books if you are lucky.