EXPECTED TASKS
* increased mobility - rolling, creeping, crawling, walking
* exceedingly curious - will explore and destroy anything within reach, including climbing
reach
* understands simple commands and begins to act on them
* understands - no no -, but will not necessarily respond to it. Save this word for serious
situations where you REALLY mean it and be firm and consistent in its use. Otherwise
make the environment childproof so you are not frequently annoyed by her robust and
healthy curiosity
* extreme desire to hold and manipulate objects. Will insist on doing some things himself,
like feeding - it is messy, but important to let him do this
* loves placing objects in containers and dumping out (drawers and cupboards, too)
* beginning of imitative play
* beginning of feeling of pride in achievements. He will look to you for acknowledgment
of mastery of his body
TOYS AND ACTIVITIES
* provide SAFE home environment and allow exploration
* unlocked doors and drawers should only contain safe objects and can provide hours of
exploration, eg., tupperware, pots, large spoons
* play cause and effect games-let baby operate light switch, search for hidden objects, etc.
* large balls are interesting, an activity box in a crib can keep her amused when she wakes
up, bath toys for water play are good, babies love to look at books and there are many
durable books available
LANGUAGE
* curiosity is the main motivator behind language learning, encourage this-start by naming
body parts
* how well it is learned depends a lot on the stimulation provided by the parents and
caregivers, as well as on the ability to hear. Seek medical care if concerned about hearing
* speak to the infant about what he is engaged in at the moment - at the store, on a walk,
playing, watching you
* read simple picture books - name and point to objects
* there may be a few spoken words at this time, but the level of understanding is far
beyond this
DISCIPLINE
* this is a time to start establishing limits with firmness, love and consistency - child can
understand NO but can't control her desires, you must remove her or the object in
dangerous situations and do it every time
* by establishing ground rules in this phase you can avoid a lot of problems in the next
phase - by acting on what you say, every time, she learns you REALLY mean it
* children come to feel more secure in an environment with safe and reasonable limits
* make sure both parents and caregivers are consistent
Ted Humphry, M.D.
822-2441