Fun Games to Play with Your Children

One of our readers wrote in to remind parents that “children don’t always need the big things. They tend to remember the little things like books you read together, games you play, and trips to the zoo.” We think this is excellent advice! Here are some ideas for “little things” that
you can do with your child, one on one:
One to Three Months
Fly, baby, fly: Sit on the floor with your baby facing you. Support her body and head with your hands. Say, “Are you ready to fly? Wheee!!” Lift your baby as you gently roll onto your back. As you lie down, hold your baby in the air.
Follow the bee: Hold your baby comfortably. Place your finger in front of her eyes while making a buzzing sound. Move your finger around in the air. Your baby’s eyes should follow your “bee.” Next, take your baby’s finger and move it around with a buzzing sound; land the “bee” on your cheek ornose.
Elevator: Lie on your back and lift your baby up over you. Say, “I’m going to kiss you!” while you lower her down and give her a kiss. Bouncing rides: Place your baby on your lap and hold her under her arms. Move forward until you’re at the edge of the seat, then raise and lower your heels to give her a gentle bounce. Reciting rhymes while you do this will add to the fun and encourage language development.
Four to Seven Months
Balance game: Stand your baby on a bed while supporting her trunk, and gently bounce her on the mattress.
One, two, three!: Babies love to anticipate movement, so this is a favorite. Hold your baby’s hands while she’s lying down and say, “Are you ready to stand up? Here we go . . . one, two, three!” while pulling her up gently.
Balls and push toys: As your baby becomes more mobile, she’ll be more interested in objects that move, such as balls and toys with wheels. Remember to remove these once she’s trying to pull herself up to a sitting or standing position.
Food painting: Place some pureed food or pudding on your baby’s highchair tray, and let her “finger paint” with it. It’s messy, but it’s a lot of fun for your baby.
Peekaboo: This old standby will delight your baby, with her budding understanding that even when an object or person is covered, it still exists (a concept called object permanence). Cover your face with your hands, then remove your hands and say, “Peekaboo, I see you!”
Eight to Twelve Months
This little piggy, itsy-bitsy spider, and pop goes the weasel: Babies love to learn these nursery rhymes and anticipate the accompanying movements.
One, two, buckle my shoe: This counting rhyme is ideally suited for climbing up and down stairs.
Hide-and-seek: This game exploits your baby’s understanding of object and person permanence. Hide your baby’s toys—or yourself—and encourage her to seek.