People learn specific skills easier at certain ages than at others. Kids can be experts at roller-blading after an hour, but grandfathers take longer. These prime times for learning are also called windows of opportunity. It’s as if a window in the brain seems to open for a while, and it’s easier to learn certain new skills or knowledge. Then, the window closes. When it’s closed, we still learn, but it’s harder.

Many of the windows of opportunity open and close during the first few years of life. Your baby’s brain grows larger and more active, depending on what he sees, hears, tastes, touches, and smells. While he is so young, he depends on you to make the most of his prime times for learning. Continue to encourage your baby to explore. Provide him with objects and toys that interest him and encourage him to look, listen, taste, touch, and smell, as well as use his body in different ways.

This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If we write him or her, we are talking about all babies. Every baby is different. Normal children may do things earlier or later than described in this FAQ. This FAQ describes typical children at each age. Each child is special and develops at his or her own pace.