How much time should you spend stimulating your baby?

How much time a parent should spend with their child is age specific. But it is important to remember that the early years of a child’s life are years of rapid development and change. And, it’s because of this that we need to understand how children learn and key developmental landmarks to provide the right stimulants to directly effect their brain growth.

The aim, and the most important thing a parent can do for their child is to engage in stimulating intentional play. Even if for an hour –  throwing and catching a ball, building puzzles, playing games and talking will lead to huge growth and progress.

The key areas of development of your child are:

• Physical-motor
• Social and emotional
• Language
• Play and cognitive

Ensure that you engage in activities that stimulate these key developmental areas. Here are some suggested activities:

0 – twelve months

• When feeding look your child in the eyes and talk to them
• Massage your child’s feet to improve circulation and aid walking and balance when they are older
• Hold and move an object 30cm from your child’s face to strengthen their eyes which will help with their reading
• Talking to your child throughout the day, telling them their name, pointing to body parts exposes children to language
• Introduce your child to music and teach them to clap their hands
• Read simple books to teach new words and new objects

 One to two years

• Play clapping games and dance to music. Use this as an opportunity for them to also interact with children and adults
• Read books and introduce new words and objects
• Go outdoors, talk about nature and encourage them to touch and count what they see. Even play in the sand and mud
• Build with blocks: this helps with math as they get older
• This is a great age to teach children their body parts

 Two to three years

• Play outdoors in the sand and grass and expose children to nature
• A child should be able to identify and name body parts
• Encourage your child to draw and thread beads. By using their hands their fingers will strengthen
• Allow your child to mimic you, be it sweeping, talking on the phone or doing the dishes
• Make musical instruments from household items
• Play catch with a big ball

Many working mothers are time poor, so if you can’t spend more than an hour with your child stimulating them, make the time, quality time. I think working mothers will always have the pang to be at home with their child, but it is quality not quantity. And, of course enjoy your time together.

That’s the WHAT and WHY. For the HOW, contact [email protected].

About the Author: Dr. Lauren Stretch is the founder of Early Inspiration, an organisation which aims to enhance the development of young children in South Africa through practitioner training and home interventions. She is is one of the youngest PhD graduates in the country, and has completed her studies in the effectiveness of pre-school teachers, particularly in underprivileged settings, at the University of South Africa (UniSA).

• About
• Latest Posts

Contributor

Latest posts by Contributor (see all)

• Video: Surprising newborn sleep facts - September 26, 2014
• Top tips for traveling with babies and toddlers - September 26, 2014
• Swaddling 101 PLUS 3 recommended methods - September 26, 2014