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Relaxation

Empty and Fill

A container and a handful of toys - in, out, in, out - and a toddler will do this longer than seems possible.

Ages 1–35–20 min1–2 kidsHousehold items

Any container (basket, box, bowl) and a handful of safe household objects. Child puts them in, tips them out, and starts again. No goal, no rules - the repetition itself is the activity, and it can run far longer than parents expect.

What you need

  • a container (basket, box, or bowl)
  • 5-10 safe household objects (large wooden spoons, soft toys, empty plastic cups)

How to do it

  1. 1In they go. Hand the child one object at a time at first, and let them drop it in.
  2. 2Tip the container over together. 'All gone.' Then start again.
  3. 3Once they've got the idea, step back. Let them choose the pace and the order.
  4. 4Say the words as they work - 'in,' 'out,' 'all gone,' 'again' - but don't direct the play itself.

Variations

  • If they dump everything out in one go and stop - that's the whole activity for some children on some days. Refill it once yourself, slowly, and leave it within reach.
  • 'Last one in, then the box goes to sleep.' Put the lid on or turn the container over as the closing action.

💡 Parent tip

Resist tidying the objects back in for them between rounds. The re-filling is half the activity - taking that step away shortens it to something less useful.

What your child develops

  • Object permanence and containment - understanding that objects still exist once they leave sight builds early cognitive structure
  • Fine motor practice - grasping, releasing, and aiming into an opening refines hand control
  • Self-directed repetition - choosing to repeat an action until satisfied is early self-regulation, not aimlessness

Safety notes

  • Choose objects too large to swallow. Avoid anything with small removable parts.

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