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By Rachel
Thompson
Studies have shown that the
most important period of a child’s life is their first
five years. Children
are capable of learning from a very early age, so
it is ideal to expose
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them to a nurturing and
educational
environment during those years. By providing an
environment that is fun-filled, safe and
stimulating, you can ensure that your child gets
off to a great start.
While adults typically think of play-time as a
form of entertainment, it can actually teach
your child
a great deal about themselves and the world
around them. Believe it or not, playing
peek-a-boo is actually beneficial for your
child. The earlier a child develops these
skills, the more significant the long term
impact will be. |
Studies
have shown that the most important period of a child’s
life is their first five years.
Children are
capable of learning from a very early age, so it is
ideal to expose them to a nurturing and
educational
environment during those years. By providing an
environment that is fun-filled, safe and stimulating,
you can ensure that your child gets off to a great
start.
While
adults typically think of play-time as a form of
entertainment, it can actually teach your
child a great
deal about themselves and the world around them. Believe
it or not, playing peek-a-boo is actually beneficial for
your child. The earlier a child develops these skills,
the more significant the long term impact will be.
Self-esteem, confidence, coordination, problem-solving
skills, and social skills, are but a few examples of the
benefits that can be gained through play. Self esteem
can be enhanced by responding affectionately to your
child’s actions. Whether they coo, gurgle, burp, cry or
smile, giving your
child a positive reaction and providing lots of
enthusiasm will have incredible benefits.
Physical
coordination can be developed by changing your child’s
position, and allowing him/her the opportunity to move
about. Encourage movement and mobility at an early age
by placing toys and objects a short distance away from
your child.
Giving your child
different toys with different shapes, textures and
colors will encourage interaction and help develop
physical coordination. There are many toys on the market
specifically designed to stimulate creative thought and
action.
Playing
hide-and-seek can help your
child develop
problem solving skills. By placing a toy behind your
back and encouraging your baby to find it, you will give
your child an early appreciation for cause and effect.
Also by giving a baby a rattle, the baby will comprehend
they can make noise by themselves if they shake it. An
understanding of cause and effect will put your
child on the
right path to a lifetime of learning.
As your
child grows older, consider giving your child some
household duties or chores. A child as young as two can
start to learn the meaning of responsibility. Use the
word “special” frequently and give them age-appropriate
tasks such as handing out napkins at the dinner table.
Be sure to encourage your
child through
positive affirmation of his/her actions.
The
following are other general tips to enhance the
developmental stages of your young child’s life:
• Go to
the library with your
child to pick out a book, and then read it
together.
•
Encourage your child
to explore arts and crafts to develop their creative
side.
• The
internet is a great educational tool for
children.
There are some great sites out there!
• Watch
TV with your child
and talk about what they see on screen.
• Buy
them educational
toys.
• Allow
your child the opportunity to interact with other
children regularly.
More
Information...
About The
Author
Rachel Thompson is the proud
mother of two young children, and a regular contributing
writer for
thebabydepartment.com – a wonderfully informative
online resource for parents with information about baby
products
(http://www.thebabydepartment.com),
crib safety
(http://www.thebabydepartment.com/nursery/crib-safety-standards.aspx
),
educational toys (http://www.thebabydepartment.com/playtime/educational-toys.aspx)
and more.
Editor@thebabydepartment.com
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