What are some good learning exercises for my 18 month old?

Question

I'm at stay at home mom and my daughter doesn't go to daycare. I'm worried that she's getting behind because her 16 month old cousin is way ahead of her in a lot of ways. What are some good learning exercises I can do with her to encourage her to talk more and to help her communicate better.

Answer 1

I love to sit down with my baby and show him magazines and ask him about the pictures.  See the baby?  See the dog?  He absolutely loves it - its a game to him and keeps him happy and its cheap.  I also love to take him for walks and show him things - flowers, trees, grass.  Even if they can't talk yet, they are taking it all in and one day might surprise you with telling you what it is (mine is just starting to do this, so it makes me feel good).

Answer 2

yeah do with your cousin exercise  because its really help u in olden days.

Answer 3

The best thing you can do is to expose your child to the world you are experiencing.  For example as you dress her you can talk to her about the different parts of her body.  She can also sing songs to her about things.  As you go through you day, talk to her about the items you are buying at the market.  Talk about the colors, textures, shapes, etc.  Talking to her frequently will make her more aware of the world around her.

Answer 4

Talk to her a lot, Show her thing's with a lot of color, take her for stroller walks let her see the world. Let her interact with new and different people and safe animals.

Answer 5

Take her out to a farm or somewhere and teach her the names of the animals and what sounds they make, ask her if she can say the names and sounds, then use pictures at home to see if she's remembered?

Answer 6

Ther great thing about toddlers is that they're GOING to learn...no matter what.  So, relax and know that there's not going to be anything "hard" about helping her do that.

What you're doing is more about creating the opportunities.   Not just variety (though that's imoprtant), learning is also about repetition [we've all heard "again, mommy, again!"].

My daughter didn't go to daycare.  She was a little "behind" when it came to social engagement and playing with other kids.  When she was young, we did a lot of reading with her, going to the library, books were a big part of her life.  Also, coloring, going to parks, down to the lake, whatever...very normal things.  

She was also not a "blabber".  She didn't have a lot to say until she was about 2 1/2.  Then one day, she wanted to tell me about a story her dad had been reading to her (I'd just got home from work) and words just started pouring out of her.  She couldn't talk fast enough.  Too funny.

She's now 18 and getting ready to enter Yale.  

So, don't worry about her keeping up with the other kids.  Too early to tell.  She'll take her own time.  She's built to learn.  Just enjoy it.  I know it's cliche, but it's gonna be over before you know it.

All best to you.