Transcript of 1-3 years: Helping your child discover the world.
Child: [Playing] Mommy!
Mother: Oh good girl.
Child: Look! Look!
Narrator: Children's brains develop rapidly during pregnancy and early life, when experiences can have a big impact on them and you are the perfect teacher to help build your baby's brain. Just by loving and spending time with your child, you are building a strong attachment, which will help them to thrive. Your child will be starting to develop their own personality, including their likes and dislikes. It's a normal step in learning how to become independent later on.
Family foods should be introduced at around six months, but at this age your child might start to become fussier about foods. Encourage your toddler when new foods are introduced to eat but don't force them.
It's also normal for them to sometimes refuse to do the things you ask. This is the time to teach them simple rules about behavior. It's important to be consistent. It will take time for them to learn and remember family rules so be patient and kindly remind them.
Spend time with your child doing the things they like to do. They're building their confidence to explore and to have ideas of their own.
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Praise them when they do well, tell them exactly what they did that was good. This lets them know they are special just for being themselves.
Talking to your child about what is happening around them and asking them what they think helps build their imagination and their language.
Children love singing and it's also an important part of building their brain, because it helps them understand words, uses memory and exercises their lips and tongue for speaking.
Your child will love colourful books with simple words and rhymes. When you read them the same book a few times, they will love to show you that they know what's coming next. When looking at books together you are teaching your toddler to love learning. It's also building lovely memories for you both.
Your child will learn the most from talking and playing with you and other people. Screen time isn't recommended for children under two. It doesn't build their brain like real life interactions do. Children learn best from real world experiences, like playing, reading and social time with family and friends. Video chatting is okay because your child is interacting with another person.
If your child uses screens, try to limit it to ways that create bonds with family and friends. Show your toddler how to take turns and share when they are playing. Your child is learning to be more independent but still needs you there encouraging them.
When it feels difficult remember that you are doing the most important job of all - helping to build your baby's brain. You are your child's most important carer, so you need to look after yourself too. Every parent or carer needs help sometimes. Talk to your child and family health nurse, GP or a family member or friend if you need support. No role is more important than being a parent or carer.
It's sometimes challenging, but will be worth it for you and your child.
To learn more about how to give your child the best start in life go to health.nsw.gov.au/building brains
