Train your baby's brain from 12 months
The beginning of the toddler years. How to encourage creativity through discovery and play
Your little boy is a toddler. He has been trying to pull himself up and now he may even start to walk.
What he can do
He’s using furniture to grab on to and get around. He lets you know what he wants by pointing and may even use the right word for the relevant toy.
How to encourage him
Make sure he has a safe place to play and explore. He’ll want to discover everything – drawers, cupboards, carrier bags (beware, keep plastic bags safely out of sight). He needs his own space where he can play with a variety of toys. Talk to him about anything and everything, clearly and in short, simple sentences. In the next few months he will understand up to 50 words. Be specific
and label things verbally.
The right toys for now
He will enjoy making as well as playing, so encourage moulding clay, Lego building and so on.
Boost creativity with chunky colouring pencils. Counting toys such as an abacus with brightly coloured beads will further encourage fine motor and early counting skills. Large-piece jigsaws are also a great way to learn how to fit shapes together.
Take it a step further
‘Your baby now knows how to use things like utensils, hairbrushes and a cloth for wiping. He will enjoy imitating the actions of those around him and this play is an important step towards his independence.’