Author: Mel WAGENAAR
Educational Psychologist, Teacher and Mother, South Africa
Cognitive development in the first three years of life lays the foundation for a child’s future development. During this critical period, babies and toddlers rapidly acquire skills and knowledge as they interact with their environment and caregivers. As parents, your caring and responsive attention is the most important ingredient in fostering this development. In this article, we will explore cognitive milestones and suggest fun activities for children aged 0-3 years, while also discussing the impact of screen time and the importance of mindful parenting.
In the first SIX MONTHS, babies are learning to process sensory information and begin to understand the world around them. Key cognitive milestones include:
- Recognising familiar faces and objects
- Following moving objects with their eyes
- Beginning to understand cause and effect (e.g., shaking a rattle makes noise)
- Exploring objects with their hands and mouth
Activities
- Peek-a-Boo: This classic game helps babies develop object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.
- Tummy Time: Placing your baby on their tummy while they are awake helps them develop motor skills and explore their environment from a different perspective.
- Sensory Play: Provide safe objects with different textures, shapes, and colours for your baby to explore. This stimulates their senses and promotes cognitive development.
Between SIX AND TWELVE MONTHS, babies become more curious and start to develop problem-solving skills. Key milestones include:
- Understanding simple instructions (e.g., “come here”)
- Exploring objects by banging, shaking, and throwing
- Recognising their own name and responding to it
- Beginning to use simple gestures, like waving or pointing
Activities
- Hide and Seek with Toys: Hide a toy under a blanket and encourage your baby to find it. This helps develop problem-solving skills and object permanence.
- Interactive Books: Read books with flaps and textures that your baby can touch and explore. This encourages curiosity and early literacy skills.
- Mimicking Games: Play games where you mimic each other’s sounds and actions. This promotes social interaction and communication skills.
Between 1 AND 2 YEARS, children further develop language, memory, and more complex problem-solving abilities. Key milestones include:
- Saying simple words and starting to form short sentences
- Following simple directions and understanding routines
- Engaging in pretend play
- Recognising themselves in a mirror
Activities
- Simple Puzzles: Provide puzzles with large pieces that your toddler can manipulate. This enhances problem-solving and fine motor skills.
- Pretend Play: Encourage your child to engage in pretend play with dolls, toy food, or everyday objects, like pots and pans. This fosters imagination and social skills.
- Singing Songs and Nursery Rhymes: Singing familiar songs helps with language development and memory.
Between the ages of 2 and 3, children’s cognitive skills become more advanced. They can:
- Follow two-step instructions
- Develop a basic understanding of time (e.g., “later” or “soon”)
- Engage in more complex pretend play
- Show interest in counting and sorting objects
Activities
- Counting Games: Incorporate counting into everyday activities, like counting steps as you go up or down, following the numbers on the elevator or counting pieces of fruit.
- Storytelling: Encourage your child to tell their own stories using pictures or toys. This enhances language skills and creativity.
- Sorting and Classifying: Provide opportunities for your child to sort objects by colour, shape, or size. This helps with logical thinking and categorization.
With all of the above activities, for every age and stage, it is most important for you and your child to have fun and enjoy the experiences. Your attentive and responsive interactions are crucial for your child’s cognitive development. Responding to their needs, talking to them, and providing a stimulating environment all contribute to healthy brain development. Remember, it’s not about having the latest toys or expensive gadgets; it’s about the quality of time you spend with your child.
While technology can be a useful tool, excessive screen time can hinder cognitive development in young children. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends:
- No screen time for children under 18 months, except for video chatting such as calling family members.
- Limited screen time (no more than one hour per day) for children aged 18 months to 2 years, with high-quality programming and interactive co-viewing with responsible caregivers. When watching a programme with your child, talk about it with them too.
Too much screen time can lead to:
- Reduced interaction with caregivers, which is essential for language development
- Decreased attention span and difficulty focusing
- Impaired sleep patterns
It is important to be mindful of the screen use of all the adults (for example grandparents, domestic helpers, etc.) who care for your child. Using mobile devices as “babysitters” or zoning out on screens due to busyness will reduce the quality of interactions. Here are some tips to staying stay present and engaged:
- Set Boundaries for Screen Use: Establish specific times and places for screen use, such as no screens during meals or family time.
- Engage in Joint Media Engagement: If you do use screens, make it a shared activity. Co-view educational content with your child and discuss what you see. This can turn screen time into an interactive and learning experience rather than passive consumption.
- Be a Role Model: Children mimic other’s behaviour. Demonstrating balanced and mindful screen use, sets a positive example for your child to follow.
- Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home as tech-free zones, such as the bedroom or playroom. This encourages more face-to-face interaction and playtime without digital distractions.
- Prioritize Quality Time: Make a conscious effort to engage in activities that require your full attention, such as reading together, playing games, or simply talking. These moments strengthen your bond and support your child’s cognitive and emotional development.
Parenting is a demanding job, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. The most important thing you can give your child is your responsive and loving attention. Your efforts to engage with your child, no matter how small they may seem, are laying the groundwork for their future success and well-being. Trust your instincts, enjoy the journey, and know that your love and attention are the most important building blocks for your child’s future.
Happy parenting!
