LEGO tips for little ones

My kids are just entering into the “I love LEGO” phase. Well, they’ve already been big fans of Duplo throughout the years, but recently they put together their first LEGO Junior suitcase and the squeals were heard for hours. Actual hours. My husband was squealing along with them since he loves LEGO too.

One of the things I like about LEGO Juniors kits are that they come in a box you can open, play, and pack back up with ease. I brought them with us when we stayed for a week at the beach, and think they would be a great trick up your sleeve to have in waiting rooms, airports, or other places where you are guaranteed to have some time on your hands and preschoolers to entertain.

Here are some LEGO tips for your little ones to help make it a fun hobby for years to come. 

1. Clean your LEGO (if they get dirt or mildew on them) by putting them into a laundry bag and running it through the washing machine. This will keep parts from getting lost.
2. Create some type of mat or blanket you can play with the LEGO on, then pull together the blanket afterwards and leave them stored inside (see here).
3. Use clear shoe storage that hangs over the back of a door to sort LEGO by color.
4. Convert an old table into a LEGO surface by attaching green baseplates to a table you already own.
5. Create an expectation that children must clean the LEGO up after use. If they are mid-project, help them move their creation to a higher surface (to protect from younger siblings), but don’t leave them on the ground.
6. Use clear storage bins and make color coded labels so even younger children can put away their LEGO after use (see here.)
7. Start a binder for the LEGO instructions so smaller siblings don’t tear them. My son’s instructions have already seen some love, much to his dismay, so I’m working on this now.
8. Let older children play with their LEGO in their room, on higher surfaces, or when toddlers are not having free play to avoid destruction and tears.
9. Decide beforehand whether LEGO will be shared or individual. We have a pink LEGO Junior for our daughter and a red one for our son (both of whom are old enough to enjoy this instead of DUPLO). As an only child, I personally prefer them to have their own individual sets or at least have designated sets for certain time periods and then swap.
10. Use new LEGO sets as incentive for certain goals within the home. Whether it’s a new milestone or a reward for going above and beyond, a new LEGO set will certainly be a good celebration.

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My son has been walking around with his LEGO Junior suitcase like a briefcase and they look forward to any chance to build with their dad. I found this kit to be just the right amount of challenge, but easy enough to figure some of it out on their own. Too difficult or too easy and they lose interest.

If your kids are moving out of DUPLO but too young to do any big sets on the LEGO Juniors are your best bet. The pieces come pre-packaged and labeled and each suitcase has two build options. I think we’re definitely going to be a LEGO home over here.

What’s your best LEGO hack or tip?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.