Brain Games for Toddlers: Simple Games and Activities to Promote Early Developement

Did you know that by the time a child is three, his brain has formed about 1000 trillion connections - that's about twice as many as adults have. A baby's brain is super dense and will stay that way for the first ten years. After that, the brain will begin to get rid of extra connections, gradually making order out of a thick tangle of information.

By playing certain games or doing certain activities repeatedly during the toddler years, will actually make the brain connections used in such play permanent. A child can "grow" a brain through singing, dancing, cuddling, rocking, talking, smelling, or tasting. Playing meaningful games with toddlers will encourage pathways of their brains make new connections.

The best way to develop a child's brain connections is to give the child what he needs. A safe and interesting environment to explore filled with people who will respond to the child's emotional and intellectual needs is what most families already provide. Children simply need loving supportive people in their lives who will cuddle them, sing to them, read to them, hug them and talk to them. Fancy flash cards and videos aren't needed.

Again... simply expose them to a variety of experiences, activities and toys while giving them love and security is really all they need.

Here are a few ideas for games and activities you can do with your child who is between 12 and 24 months, to stimulate their brain. *Note: what for signs of over-stimulation - fussiness or tiredness.

*The Pushing Game: Toddlers love to push things. They are fascinated with movement. Choose a lightweight object, a small toy, or a push toy. Count out, "One, two, three, push!" then push one of the toys. Repeat the counting and encourage your child to do the pushing. Even simply rolling a ball between the two of you is fun and stimulating. This is a wonderful way to let a toddler feel in control and build confidence and coordination.