In the first five years, your child will learn and grow at an extraordinary rate. Small things can make a big difference in the connections he or she makes. 

For many families with young children, time and money can sometimes both be in short supply. Fortunately, the activities that help your babies' brains to develop best are simple, cost little or nothing, and can be incorporated into the rest of your "to-do" list.

What your baby needs most to thrive? You.

Talk to your child. It may feel silly at first, but babies will learn so much when you narrate what is happening. Talk about what your child is seeing and hearing as you shop, cook, get dressed, etc. Hearing your ongoing explanations helps him or her to feel like a participant while also helping your baby learn to name things and activities.

Read to your child. Reading is a fun and expressive activity for young children. Board books with plenty of pictures,

Make mealtimes social. Babies and young children may spend as much time interacting as eating at mealtime. If possible, when baby is old enough, let him or her eat near the table at your normal mealtimes.

Go for walks together. Getting outside for family walks is a wonderful way to connect, exercise, and find things to learn about. Point out sounds you hear  (e.g. car horns, dogs barking) and things you see (e.g. birds, buildings, children playing) in your neighborhood and other places you visit.

Let your child participate. Laundry, gardening, grocery shopping, cooking, and other household tasks provide great ways to help young children learn. For instance, when folding clothes, let your young child take things out of the basket and put them back in. As she gets older, ask her to help you sort items by matching colors or types of items. 

What are your favorite learning moments with your child?
E-mail us and we'll post your ideas here to share with other parents.