Family Services Blog

Language is what enables your child to share thoughts, emotions, and ideas with others. You’re probably amazed by the things your toddler says each day. These are fun ways to build on already blossoming language skills. Blow bubbles and let the conversation begin. Big bubbles, little bubbles, high in the sky bubbles, and down to…

Your child’s mastery of fine-motor skills or use of the hands will allow for greater independence. Here are some of skills you can encourage for your toddler to perfect in the next year. Building a tower of blocks Completing 5 piece puzzles Zipping large zippers Drawing horizontal and vertical lines and circles Turning doorknobs Opening…

Enjoy the great outdoors by letting your toddler walk, climb, run, jump, slide, swing, and play ball. Physical activity helps to develop gross motor skills, self-control, and independence. Play Follow the Leader with your little one. Hop, stand on one foot, or tip toe around your yard. Be silly and have fun! It’s time for…

Language development is essential and enables learning in all areas. Engage your young toddler in a few fun activities to help develop their language skills. Sing songs to teach new words. Encourage your child to join in. Play the point and name game. Point to objects at the park or on a walk. Encourage your…

Young toddlers love to use their hands to explore the world. Provide your child with as many activities as possible to satisfy their curiosity and develop fine motor skills. Practice making vertical lines with sidewalk chalk. Paint during bath time with soap crayons, finger paints, or shaving cream. Use nontoxic clay or dough to roll,…

Getting active with your toddler is very simple. Encouraging these gross motor activities will develop your child’s skills and keep exercise pleasurable. Push/Pull and ride on toys are great for busy little people. Walk up and down stairs in your home while holding your toddler’s hand. Counting the stairs adds a bit of fun. Bring…

Babies learn from the words they hear around them. The more you talk and interact, the faster your infant acquires speech and language skills. • Read books to your infant in a slow clear voice to help your infant develop a rich vocabulary. • Sing songs to your baby providing finger play and gestures. •…

Fine motor skills involve the development of small muscle movements of the hands. Activities that require your little one to use their hands will develop these muscles. Here are some examples: Let your infant drop favorite toys in the bathtub making a fun splash learning to let go of an object. Offer an age appropriate…

Parents enjoy watching their infant crawl, pull up to stand and stand on their own. Encouraging and building your baby’s strength and coordination with gross motor activities is very beneficial. Make an obstacle course by spreading blankets and pillows on the floor. Sit across from your baby clapping and singing silly songs. Do what your…

Language refers to more than spoken words and begins the moment your baby is born. New babies listen to familiar voices around them and respond pleasurably.  You may already be encouraging your baby’s language skills and not even know! Sing songs and hum while holding your baby. Infants enjoy the repetitiveness of the melody. This…