Play with Me: It Helps Me Learn

Which Hand Is It In? A "Things-Don't-Disappear" Game

Purpose of game: To teach your baby that things are still there even when you can't see them and how to get information from words.

How to play: Hold a small object in one of your hands and show your baby the object.

Switch the object back and forth slowly between your hands several times.

Keep your hands closed. Show both hands to your baby and say, “Which hand is it in?”

When your baby reaches for one of your hands, say either, “No, it's not in this hand.” (Quickly open your hand.) “This hand is empty. Where is it?" or, "Yes, it's in this hand.” (Quickly open the other hand.)

Other "Things-Don't-Disappear" Games

Hide a toy under a towel. Encourage your baby to hunt for the toy.

Hide a ball under one of several cups. Encourage your baby to hunt for the ball.

Remember, the goal of these games is not to fool your baby but to help him learn that objects are there even when hecan't see them.

Imitation Games

Babies enjoy imitating others, and they really love it when someone imitates them. Your baby learns by imitation, copying what someone else does. Show your baby only the things that you want him to learn. You can imitate things he does that you like so that he'll know to do them some more.

Show your baby how to wave and clap his hands. First you do it, and then do it with his hands to show him how. Do it again. Keep on practicing. One day, your baby will reward you by doing it all by himself.

Question and Answer: Explorers Are Learning

Question: My daughter crawls around and pulls everything out of drawers and cupboards. I want to let her explore. But I am worried that this will become a bad habit if I don’t do something. What do you suggest?

Answer: Don’t worry about your baby developing bad habits yet. Babies this age create clutter. Healthy 10-month-olds are explorers.

Your baby pulls things out of drawers, turns furniture over, drags toys all over the house, and examines everything she can touch. She is trying to figure out how everything works.

Make the most of this fun stage. Drawer and cupboard latches will keep her out of things she shouldn’t have. Make special drawers or shelves just for your baby. Fill them with plastic bowls, wooden spoons, special toys, or surprises that will keep her interested in staying in one place.

You are right to let her explore. Now, you just have to guide her to explore the places you have set aside for her.

Studies have shown that mothers with children who do well in school talk to their babies, even when they are busy. They encourage their children to explore, rather than restricting them. They are more relaxed about housekeeping and spend more time enjoying their children. They also enforce the few rules they set.

Your efforts now to help expand your baby’s horizons will pay off in the future.