Can You Use This?

Materials You Need: Everyday items that your child is familiar with (such as a comb, a spoon, a toothbrush, a small broom, etc.)

What You Can Do Together: At this age, your child is showing that he or she understands what different objects are used for. Your child learns this by watching others in the family, and also by being encouraged to use these objects her- or himself.  You can help! For example, when dressing in the morning you might give your child the comb and say, “You can comb your hair!” (perhaps demonstrating or gently guiding your child’s hand) “Yes, that’s the way to do it!”  Try this with other everyday objects. If you see your child trying on her or his own, encourage your child —“Oh, you are trying to sweep the floor with that broom.  Big girl/boy!”

What Your Child is Learning:  Knowing that objects are used in certain ways routinely is an important step in your child’s thinking skills.  She or he is making mental connections between an object (a toothbrush) and its typical use (cleaning teeth) - a big step for a baby. At the same time, you can enrich your child’s language development by using words for everyday objects and actions. Have fun together!