Baby's are truly like sponges, so use that time to teach them good things. Things like I like to do with Alex are as simple as just giving him a crayon and a blank sheet of paper. When I give him a color I tell him what color he has. Then we color together, and I will draw shapes and numbers and we will write his name. Alex gets proud of himself when he recognizes the things that are getting drawn, such as a hearts or circles.

Learning toys help too. They let the child see different numbers and letters, but all toys are made better when there is praise for getting it correct. When they don't get it correct don't use punishment, just tell them what the right way is. Get excited to color with your baby! Put the crayon in their hand then put your hand over theirs, use that method to write their name and shapes. Then they feel like they are doing it (with a little help).

Tell you baby's babysitters what you are doing and see if it can be incorporated in their day while you are away too. I am lucky to stay at home with Alex, but the many people that love him also encourage his learning and he loves that!

Labels: baby learning