Activities to Boost Cognitive Development: 12-18 Months

By Jamie Loehr, M.D. and Jen Meyers
December 14, 2009
Credit: Kathryn Gamble
Try these simple and fun activities suggested by Jamie Loehr, M.D. and Jen Meyers, authors of "Raising Your Child" to help your child develop his cognitive skills.
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Read 20 Minutes Everyday

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Read to your child! He is soaking up so much information at this age. If possible, aim for at least twenty minutes of reading per day. While looking at a book, ask him questions such as: "Where is the teddy bear?"

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Talk to Your Child

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Recite nursery rhymes.

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Listen to Music With Him

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Sing songs with your child. Listen to music in the house and in the car, and choose music that you won't mind listening to again and again (and again). He'll start to sing along, and you may even recognize what he's singing from time to time!

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Teach Him about Shapes and Numbers

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Talk about shapes, colors, and numbers all day long. "That's a round, red ball." "We have only one banana left." "Let's find your green T-shirt."

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Teach Your Child About His Body Parts

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Teach your toddler the names of his body parts and then ask him to point to his nose, eyes, ears, etc. Ask him to point to your nose, eyes, and ears.

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Use Instructions

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Play games with instructions. Your child is increasingly able to follow simple directions and will be so proud of himself when he can do what you ask. This might include closing the door or bringing you the purple ball.

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Raising Your Child

Raising Your Child: The Complete Illustrated Guide is an information-packed guide that leads parents through the ever changing maze of new behaviors, developments, and challenges present in a child's first six years. It is filled with essential information, expert advice, practical solutions, and key choices to ensure a child's healthy development for their first six years -- and set them up for success in later developmental stages. In addition to understanding their child's stage of development, readers are given parenting techniques and activities they can use with their child to maximize physical, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral development at every age and stage.

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More Activities for 12-18 Month Toddlers

Credit: Kathryn Gamble

Get more ideas from Raising Your Child: The Complete Illustrated Guide to help with your toddler?s development.

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