Category: Play with

When you‘re folding laundry, take long socks and dangle them above your child’s head. Encourage them to try and capture the toes of the socks! As they move their arms up and down to reach the socks, you can say, “Up!” and “Down!” to describe their actions.

Hold a mirror up to your child’s face and ask, “Who’s that baby?” Then say their name. Pull the mirror away and watch them. Do they smile? Wave their hands and feet? Do they reach out for the mirror? Comment on what they’re telling you with their actions.

Look out the window for big things and little things. Take turns with your child, saying, “I see something big.” And then name it. Do the same thing with something little. Ask them to go next and see how many things you can find together!

Look at the world around you and call your child’s attention to things you see like people, cars, buildings, or animals. Point to them and ask them, “How many do you see?” A lot or a little?” When they understand the rules of the game, invite them to take the lead. Then take turns!

After folding the laundry, ask your child to help you with “Laundry Delivery.” Ask them, “Where do the towels go? That’s right, in the bathroom! What about your pajamas? Yes! In your room. Which drawer?” Switch and let them pick the items and ask you where they go.

Make a tent with your child! Cover two sturdy chairs with a blanket or towel and invite them to come inside. Make it a special place for games like playing “Peekaboo” or bringing special tent toys inside to play with. Name the special place together!

Let your child create an instrument using a plastic container with measuring spoons or keys inside. Clap a rhythm or tap your toes. Ask them to try and copy your beat with their homemade instrument. Then, have them take a turn at leading and you follow their beat.

How many ways can you play “Peekaboo”? You can hide your eyes behind your hand, or use a hat, a napkin, or whatever is handy and then say “Peekaboo!” Help your child take a turn. What can they hide behind? Saying “I see you!” when one of you stops hiding should make you both laugh.

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.

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.