Talk with your child as you move around the room, telling them, “Here I am!” Do they move their eyes? Turn or lift their head to look for you? When they find you, give them a big smile, again saying, “Here I am!”
Author: Sarah Childs
Object sounds
Choose a few objects that make noise: keys, phone ringer, musical toy, etc. Show your child each object and then make the sound. Tell them the object’s name and what it does. When they respond, do another sound. Go back and forth. See which one they like best.
Figure out where the sound is
Play with your child by using your voice and/or handy things that make a sound. Bang a pan or hum as you move around. Watch them move their head to follow the sound. Smile and talk with them when they figure out where the sound is coming from.
Safe toys
Before you go out, grab some safe things for your child to play with and put them in a bag. While you’re waiting, reach into the bag and talk about what you find. “This is something for you to chew on. Here’s a rattle for you to hold. Let’s shake it!”
Sound off
Turn waiting into a “Sound Off.” Make different sounds like a whisper, peep, ding, or roar. Pause after each sound so your child can respond. Do they smile? Look at you? Make a sound themself? Try a new sound. Keep going back and forth!
What’s happening at the park?
When out at a place like a park, look for the big kids. Sit your child on your lap or move yourselves so you can watch them together and talk about what you’re seeing. “Those kids are playing hide-and-seek like you will one day!”
Jiggle a toy
After a clean diaper is on, hold a small safe toy over your child’s head as they lie on their back. Make a soft noise and jiggle the toy. Do they bat at it with their hands? Try to kick it? Answer their actions with another sound and gentle jiggle.
Put a snack in a bottle
Drop a small snack inside an empty clear plastic bottle. Encourage your child to get the piece out of the bottle. Do they shake the bottle or put their fingers inside? Can they try in different ways. If they’re struggling ask, “What would happen if you turned it upside down?”
Describe food flavors
As you eat with your child, describe the flavors you both are eating. “The fruit is sweet.” “The pickle is sour.” Make a face that goes along with each flavor to make it more fun. You can also talk about which foods you like the best.
Set the table together
As you sit down to eat, look at the table and talk with your child about where things are. “Where’s the plate? The plate is on the table. Veggies are in the bowl. The spoon is next to the plate.” What if you move them? “Now, where is the spoon?”
