Kick the Ball Back and Forth

A soft, medium-sized ball — a foam ball or beach ball works perfectly

Grab a soft, lightweight ball and head outside or to a room with plenty of space. Avoid rooms with breakable items.

Stand about 5 feet from your toddler, facing each other. This distance feels manageable for early kickers.

Place the ball on the ground right in front of your toddler's feet. Say "Can you kick it to me?" and point to yourself.

If they're not sure what to do, demonstrate. Walk over, swing your foot into the ball gently, and let it roll toward where they were standing. Then set it up for their turn.

Most toddlers will walk into the ball rather than kick it at first. That counts! The forward motion is the beginning of a real kick.

When the ball comes your way (in whatever direction), chase it down and kick it back. The fact that you have to chase it makes it funnier.

Count each successful exchange: "One! Two! Three kicks!" Getting to three in a row is a genuine accomplishment for a toddler.

As their kicking gets more controlled, step back a bit more. By 3 years old, many kids can kick with surprising power.

A foam ball or beach ball is forgiving — it won't go far or fast, and nobody gets hurt. Avoid hard balls until your child has more control.

Kicking requires standing on one foot momentarily, which is serious balance work. Don't be surprised if your toddler falls over mid-kick — that's how balance is built.

Some toddlers prefer to stomp on the ball rather than kick it. Gently reposition it in front of their foot and show them the swinging motion again.

Try putting the ball against a wall so it bounces back. Your toddler can practice solo kicks that return to them.

This is a wonderful outdoor activity, especially on grass where the ball doesn't roll too far and the ground is forgiving for falls.