A fun activity for your toddler
Try this fun adaptation of hide-and-seek – your toddler will love "finding" you. This game will help her understand what psychologists refer to as object permanence, the awareness that things continue to exist even when they disappear from her sight.
Good for age: 13 months (but older and younger kids might enjoy it, too!)
Skills developed: object permanence
What you'll need: sheet, blanket, or big towel for hiding under
Clear a space for you and your toddler, away from toys and other distracting items. Make sure your child is watching you as you cover yourself. Ask, "Where did Mommy go?" and wait while your little one explores the mound that you've become.
Encourage her by sliding your hand out from under the sheet and giving her a wave. When she finds your head, pop up like a jack-in-the-box, exclaiming, "Here I am!" Enjoy her delighted laughter, and get ready to play the game about 81 more times.
You can also swap roles: Try covering her loosely with the sheet. Say "Where's Veronica? Where could she be?"
Gently lift the edge of the sheet to find an arm or a leg ("What's this? Oh, it's Veronica's arm!") before finally whisking it off completely and saying, "I found you!" as you cover her with kisses. The expression on her face will brighten the whole room.