quick clicks

iparenting canada articles

iparenting canada q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Brain Builders

Stimulating Activities for Your 6-month-old Baby

By Tammy Morey

Month six is an exciting time in your baby's life. She will seem a bit more under control, and her personality blossoms daily. She may begin to sit up using her hands and may even be crawling. It is also the time when we, as parents, begin to realize the powerful impact we make on our children as their first teachers. She could not have come so far without your love, devotion and commitment to give her the very best in life.

These activities hold the strongest link to cognitive development and set the foundation for Baby's success in school and also in life. It's important to understand these vital, daily activities accomplish two important goals: establishing that reading and learning are very important and that spending time with each other is very important.

Remember that repetition is the key. The most important thing you can do is to repeat, repeat and continue to repeat reading the books she loves most. It organizes language patterns so that Baby's developing brain can categorize and understand the rhythms of speech. It also helps her find patterns and ultimately boosts her comprehension of the specific structure and uses of language.

If your baby wants to hold the book, always let her. In the beginning, it is important not to overwhelm her, so just naming the pictures will be enough. You can read the story later as she develops patience. If she shows a special interest, stop and talk about the picture. The picture may have reminded her of something, and making that link is important.

Set aside a special time for reading every day. Often, parents use bedtime as an opportunity to spend quiet time with their child. Another opportunity to share your love of reading is through the Mom and Baby programs at public libraries or larger chain bookstores. These types of programs also allow you to meet other new parents, and your Baby will delight in the social experience.

Want to see more?

• The Mind of the Baby
• Brain Builders: Stimulating Activities for Your 5-month-old Baby
• Brain Builders: Stimulating Activities for Your 7-month-old Baby
• Talk about it!

Found 4 comments
Displaying all 4 comments below