When your child drops their spoon on the floor (and they will!), pick it up and give it back to them saying, “The spoon is falling down, down, down!” How long does it take until they drop it again? When they do, talk about falling down again.
Category: 6 Loving Habits
Shake, Bang, Roll
When your child picks up something safe, encourage them to “Shake, Bang, and Roll!” How many different ways do they explore the object? Talk to them about what they’re doing, “You shook the rattle and made a sound.”
Look in the Mirror
Do you have a mirror in your house? Hold your child and move in and out of the mirror, saying “Hello!” when you look in the mirror together and “Goodbye!” when you move away. Go fast and slow. Do they wave in the mirror or ask for more? Follow their cues.
Exploring Safe Objects
Offer your child objects that are safe to put in their mouth, like wooden spoons or plastic cups. Talk about what they’re doing as they put the objects in their mouth or move them. Even if they can’t yet speak, they’re supported by your voice and interest in their actions.
Kicking Game
Does your child like to kick their legs during tummy-time? Putting things like crumpled paper or a rolled up towel behind their legs can make it even more interesting. Talk with your baby about how it might feel or sound when they kick. What else could you use for kicking?
Rock-Leaf Pattern
Have your child collect items like rocks and leaves. Arrange them in a pattern such as one rock, two leaves, one rock, two leaves. Then mix them up and ask your child to recreate your pattern. Can they remember the order? Have them take a turn making a simple pattern for you to remember.
The Size Game
Invite your child to hunt for objects of different sizes. How many small things can they find? What about big things? Make it harder and ask them to find things that are medium-sized or huge. Talk about what they see and what is the same and different.
Grocery Cart Sort
While grocery shopping, ask your child if they can manage the cart by sorting your shopping into vegetables, fruits, frozen foods, or by color. Can they find a way to keep the boxes lined up so they don’t topple over?
Find the Opposites
When you’re waiting somewhere, ask your child to play “Find the Opposites” with you. You call out something big and they respond with the opposite, something small. Start with easy comparisons, like big and small, high and low, or near and far.
Guessing Game
Anytime you’re waiting in line, ask your child to guess how long until it’s your turn. How many numbers can you count? Or how many times will you sing a favorite song? Take turns inventing new “Waiting Games.”
