How much time a parent should spend with their child is age specific. But it is important to remember that the early years of a child’s life are years or rapid development and change. And, it’s because of this that it is important to understand how children learn and key developmental landmarks to provide the right stimulants to directly effect their brain growth.

The aim, and the most important thing a parent can do for their child is being engaged in stimulating intentional play. Even if for an hour, throwing and catching a ball, building puzzles, playing games, etc. and talking, you will see huge growth and progress.

The key areas of development of your child are: physical-motor, social/emotional, language, play and cognitive so ensure you do activities to stimulate these key developmental areas. Here are some suggested activities:

0 – 12 months

When feeding look your child in the eyes and talk to them

Massage your child's feet to improve circulation and aid walking and balance when they are older

Hold and move an object 30cm from your child’s face to strengthen their eyes which will help with their reading

Talking to your child throughout the day, telling them their name, pointing to body parts exposes children to language

Introduce your child to music and teach them to clap their hands

Read simple books to teach new words and new objects


1 – 2 years

Play clapping games and dance to music. Use this as an opportunity for them to also interact with children and adults

Read books and introduce new words and objects

Go outdoors, talk about nature and encourage them to touch and count what they see. Even play in the sand and mud

Build with blocks: this helps with math as they get older

This is a great age to teach children their body parts

2 – 3 years

Play outdoors in the sand and grass and expose children to nature

A child should be able to identify and name body parts

Encourage your child to draw and thread beads. By using their hands their fingers will strengthen

Allow your child to mimic you, be it sweeping, talking on the phone or doing the dishes

Make musical instruments from household items

Play catch with a big ball


3 – 4 years

Thread beads in sequence

Play hopscotch  - this is great for balance

Your child should be able to dress themselves at this point, so also teach your child about hygiene, they should be able to wash, brush their hair and teach and understand healthy eating

Kick a ball to one-another – this is great for physical strength

Throw and catch different sized balls, and introduce targets to throw a ball into

Make and dance to music. Clapping games are also important.

4 – 6 years

Sort objects with your child, count with them and identify numbers

Play with colour and use pictures in your play. This helps with their eyes’ development

Give your child responsibilities appropriate to their age

Read to your child and get them to re-tell you the story

Play guess the object from a description you give

Get out of the house and encourage your child to speak with other children and adults. Going out for breakfast or lunch is a great way to do this

Many working mothers are time poor, so if you can’t spend more than an hour with your child stimulating them, make the time, quality time. I think working mothers will always have the pang to be at home with their child, but it is quality not quantity. And, of course enjoy your time together.

That’s the WHAT and WHY. For the HOW, contact lauren@earlyinspiration.co.za.