All children have the primary job of learning. Thankfully, they’re very good at it. Children’s brains soak up information like a sponge, including language and social skills. Even babies are designed to learn as much as they can from their environment.
So, as parents, one of our primary goals is to help our children learn and get a well-rounded education. This learning doesn’t start when your child is school-age, but it starts as early as when they open their eyes and try to explore the world around them.
Speaking and Language
Most children naturally pick up languages and learn to talk as toddlers. But the more you speak to them, the more they learn. Interact with your children often and teach them words. Even if they seem to be babbling, your kids are learning to speak every day.
Some kids learn gradually, while others seem to wait until they know a few words before they start speaking. Children with older siblings might speak a bit later because their sibling helpfully does all of the talking for them. If you are worried about your child’s development, a speech therapist can help.
If you know more than one language, consider teaching your child both languages. Their brains are perfectly designed to pick up languages and they will enjoy the lifelong benefits of being bilingual.
Educational Games
Whether we like it or not, screens are becoming more and more a staple of children’s lives. However, parents can help their children benefit from this.
First, it’s important to set boundaries with screen time. Children need to interact with the world around them, and screens are addictive for children and adults. So set limits for when your children can play on their tablet, for how long they spend looking at screens, and what they do on the tablet.
While screen time can be a challenge, it can be a boon as well. Rather than just letting the screen distract your child, download educational apps and games for them to play. They have fun, but they learn as well.
Daycare and Play
Children need to learn how to socialize with other people, including other children. One thing that can help with this is daycare. A good daycare center benefits children and parents alike.
You get some well-needed time to catch up on work, chores, or even sleep. But your child benefits even more. Daycare provides an environment where children can learn through play. They learn how to communicate with others and work together.
They can also develop their social skills, their motor skills, and their creativity. Play with your children at home and figure out what they gravitate toward. Ideally, a daycare center will give your children a variety of games to play, both guided by adults and left to their own devices.
Whether you decide to home educate your child or enroll them in traditional school, daycare will give them a massive head start in their social, mental, and emotional development.