Ask your child to find an object like a stick or rock and place it on the ground near you. Encourage them to explore different ways of moving over it: Can they jump? Hop over on just one foot? Run and then jump? Take turns jumping with them and talk together about how far you… Continue reading Explore an Object
Category: 6 Loving Habits
Try New Things
When they are playing, help your child do things they haven’t done before. Try out the swings or the slide at a playground, or even feel the different textures on the ground. As long as they’re safe, let them try new things, with a helping hand if they need it. How do they respond? Celebrate… Continue reading Try New Things
The Waiting Game
Make your waiting time fun! Ask your child, “Can you do this?” and hold your hands up very high and say, “Reach for the Sky!” Invite them to copy you. Next, put your hands behind your back and see if they copy you. Then take a turn and copy them.
Pretend Game
Is your child beginning to pretend? Then you can play the “Good Morning, Good Night” game! When you say, “Good night,” they can pretend to sleep by lying down and closing their eyes, and when you say, “Good morning,” they can get up and dance!
Hug Time
When it’s time for a hug, ask your child if they want a big hug or a little hug and then do what they ask. Then you take a turn and say whether you want a big or little hug. You can add other words, like a wiggly hug or a quiet hug.
Dance Off
Put on a song both of you like and watch your child move. As they dance, copy what they’re doing. When they stop, you dance around and let them watch you. See if you can create a back and forth dance, taking turns copying each other.
Musical Music
Set your radio to a music station and have your child turn it off and on. Every time they turn it on, start to dance—or move around—and say “on.” When they turn it off, stop moving and say “off.” Soon they will probably say “off” and “on” with you.
Boogie Oogie Oogie
Your child may not be walking or talking yet, but with your help they can definitely boogie. So turn on some music and hold them as you dance around. When you sit down together, shake your arms to the music and see if they can do the same!
Bounce n’ Play
Does your baby love to bounce when you hold them on your lap? Bounce them up and down. Try going fast and slow as well as stopping and starting. How do they respond? Follow their lead and respond to their sounds and movements. Continue doing what they like best.
Reach and Play
Encourage your child to move and stretch. Put them on their tummy on a blanket on the floor and place a soft, safe object in front of them saying, “Here’s your soft bear!” Put it down just out of their reach. Talk about their efforts: “You’re working so hard to reach your toy!”
