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Teach Your Baby Using the Ping-Pong Method

Last Updated: September 26, 2008

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Parenting Tips for Your 7 Month Old Baby

Researchers have found two types of play between parents and their children. One style is similar to a professor lecturing to a class. The other style is called “pingpong” because it's similar to a pingpong ball going back and forth between parent and child.

Lecturing doesn’t help babies learn. "Pingpong” is best.

To be a pingpong-type teacher, do this: When your baby giggles, you giggle. When your baby hands a block to you, hand two blocks back to her. When you do something, your baby will react to what you do.

The best learners have adults who spend time playing with them.


Learn more about Your 7 Month Old Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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