One Year to two Years – Mental Development

The early stages involve enormous mental development which parents normally take for granted. Just imagine, the child is developing from a sucking body to a moving and talking individual, that’s a big thing. It is therefore unwise to push the child beyond their natural rate.

Between 12 and 18 months, most children add up to 10 words in their vocabulary and may start constructing small phrases, never mind the order of the words, try to pick the meaning. The child does not, at this stage, understand the verbal meaning of words, but interprets by associating words with actions. Use proper gestures. Imitation of sounds, actions, gestures of those around them is a sign of good mental development. Children start pretend to be doing things which in reality they don’t know, like reading books and newspapers, and also waving good bye, though they don’t really know what it means.

Be careful and about what you say and how you say it to the child because they may pattern their voices and gestures after you. Try to correct the baby’s speech in a friendly way without nagging. Credit your child with the beginning of any ability to reason. Try buying toys and playthings that encourage imagination. Children at this age like playing with things that they see their parents doing, like cooking, sweeping and reading. Let the child also do tasks like dressing themselves and eating on their own though they do it in a slow and clumsy way. Let the child explore his/her small world as much as he/she can.

It is encouraged to sing simple songs to the child and also with the child. Put pictures in the child’s rooms to aid their imagination and give them soft crayons and papers to play with. Don’t expect any meaningful drawings from there. The child may try to help you in doing tasks, allow them if it’s not dangerous. Start considering nursery school.

If you want the child to do something, don’t try to tell them, rather lead them through. Avoid interrupting the child if he/she is occupied with something. If you feel like explaining something, keep it short and simple. Remember, scolding, nagging, slapping etc are not good ways of teaching anything.