Profitable Playtime

usually when kids think of "playtime" the last thing they're thinking about it how much they're learning, but depending on how you play and with what toys you use, they could be learning more then than when you're actually trying to teach them something. now in reality, there are very few things we can actually "teach" aria right now with the "sit down and listen" method. besides the age factor, she's also a little too distracted to expect her to focus on something we're trying to show her. thus...playtime has been our biggest ally when it comes to teaching her things about this world.

the easiest way to entertain aria at this point is to have a toy that plays music and/or has flashy lights. her current favorites are a singing alien with a light-up face and her baby einstein music player - the colorful lights make her smile every time! teaching her "cause/effect" with toys like these is simple because she can easily push the button to make them light up and sing. we've also been doing rhythm with these toys as well, by moving her arms/legs or the toy itself in time to the music - the music player's light actually light up in rhythm to the music, so that helps. and then there's the mere fact that we're introducing her to so much music that's also a benefit of these toys.

other toys that kids love that have great learning benefits are blocks and rings, talking toys (the more words they hear at this age, the better) and any other toy that teaches the "cause/effect" lesson (spinning toys for example.) if your child is like mine, trying to demonstrate something is usually a futile attempt unless you combine something fun (the more lights the better! :) ) with it... tickling her belly and going step by step while changing their diapers sounds simple, but it's a great way of bonding with your baby and teaching them words. their smile also makes diaper changing time more bearable for you too :)