|

Activities with Baby

"The latest research confirms the importance of what many parents do instinctively, such as reading, cuddling, and talking to their children," says Angie Dorell, director of curriculum at La Petite Academy, the nation's second-largest preschool. The following practices will help ensure a child's healthy brain development.

Talk, read, and sing to a child:
Communicating with a child gives him a solid basis for learning later.

  • Talk and sing about daily events.
  • Read stories in a way that encourages babies and toddlers to participate by answering questions or pointing to what they see in a picture book.
  • Repeat rhymes and refrains.

Encourage safe exploration and play:
While many of us think of learning as simply acquiring facts, children learn through playing.

  • Blocks, art, and pretending all help children develop curiosity, confidence, language, and problem-solving skills.
  • Let your child choose many of her own activities. If she turns away or seems uninterested, put it aside. Let her pick it up again later when she's interested.

More on: Babies

|


stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Get on the Path to Parenting Success
Every journey starts with a few small steps, and parenting is no different. Get positive support, tips and tools for helping your kids reach for success! Click here for more information from ParentFurther.

Top 10 Sweet 16 Birthday Gifts
Every girl looks forward to her 16th birthday! Stumped on what to buy her to make it extra special? Take a look at 10 cool gift ideas for her Sweet 16.

10 Nutritious Snacks and Drinks for Kids
"Mom, I'm hungry!!" Sound familiar? Find simple recipes for healthy homemade snacks to help your child power through busy days.