February 17, 2022
Today’s blog post was creating using materials from Talking is Teaching, a campaign of Too Small to Fail.
Young children depend on their parents and caregivers to provide them with a stable and loving environment so they can learn and grow. An important way that parents and caregivers can help their young children feel safe and secure is by participating in activities with them like talking, reading and singing every day. These nurturing activities build young children’s brains, and help parents and caregivers feel more connected to their children, too.
Today’s blog is a list of fun ways to engage with the little ones in your life. You can download a PDF of the full list, plus a list of suggested love-themed books and videos, at the bottom of the page.
During your bedtime routine, talk with your child about what you loved most about the day. “I loved snuggling with you while we read!”
Validating your child’s big feelings is an important way to show your love for them. “I see that you’re sad about your broken toy. I know you really loved that toy. How can I help you feel better?”
Start a morning routine with words of affirmation! Encourage your child to say aloud all the things that they love about themselves. “I am strong. I am kind. I am loving!”
Together with your child, finish the classic “Roses are red, violets are blue…” poem by coming up with your own words for the next two lines. “New, shoe, two… what other words rhyme with blue?”
Ask your child to tell you what makes them feel loved. A warm hug, snuggles before bed, sharing a favorite treat – there are so many ways we can show our love every day!
Turn on your baby’s favorite songs and move your bodies as you dance together!
Draw a big heart on a piece of paper and have your child fill the heart with drawings of things they love. Then, ask your child to tell you all about what they filled their heart with!
Talk about shapes as you eat healthy and yummy snacks they love! Compare the shape of a square cracker or a round tomato!
As you do laundry, play a game of finding the matching pairs of socks with your baby.
When you read together, let your baby help turn the pages—it can help build their interest in books.