Build your child’s brain and body

You as a parent play a critical role in the intellectual and physical development of your child. Just remember that children cannot be expected to learn some things before they are physically and mentally old enough to do so.

Parenting tips

Create an environment that promotes learning.
Provide a variety of reading materials in your home and have a special place for them on a low shelf where your child can get to them easily.
Instill a love for reading in your children and have a sense of humor when you read to them.
Do not force learning activities and do not become frustrated if your child does not always seem interested or attentive.
Provide wholesome food at regular meal and snack times.
Encourage exercise and allow your child the freedom to be as physically active as possible.
Understand that when your children lose interest in an activity, you do not need to push them to complete it.
Make your home as safe as possible and allow active play at least in some areas.

Activities

Talk and sing with your child.
Read to your child every day.
Spend quiet time in which your child observes you reading.
Point out to your child when you are doing things that require reading and writing, such as cooking, shopping, or taking the bus.
Gather objects in a bag and let your child guess the objects while blindfolded.
Play with your baby in front of a mirror.
Play hide and seek or peek-a-boo.
See if your children can figure out how to make the elevator come or set an extra place at the table before you tell them how to do it.
Play sorting games by size, shape, color, or use.
In the bath or a dishpan, let your child pour water from one container to another.
Play active games with your child.
Play tug-of-war with a jump rope.
Turn on the exercise programs on television, do the exercises, and encourage your children to do them with you.