Intellectual Stimulation

I dont know if its one of those mommy insecurities but I am always worried that I am not "teaching" DS enough. I know he is only 7 months old but I cant help feeling this way. When we play I try to talk to him alot and I do (not non-stop or anything) but sometimes I run out of things to say while playing.

Anyone else feel like this?

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

Recite poems or songs?

My mom sometimes names foods, animals or whatever from A-Z while feeding him and he seems to like that!

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

I am sure you are doing fine

I think my kid thinks I am a looney tune b/c I sing songs to him all day long

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

YES ...i feel exactly the same way. But you can't be "teaching" 24/7. Sometimes you just have to relax and let him observe on his own. Everything you do he is learning from. Even when you say nothing.

So i wouldn't worry

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

I feel like this too! But, I think they learn the most just from observing and interacting!

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

i totally feel this way. but i believe that they are learning things from us constantly that we don't even realize we're "teaching" - just from observing us and interacting with us.

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

Thanks!

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

DW said that she just did a lot of "stream of consciousness" when playing with DC. Just say what you are doing or looking at. When DW would make lunch, she would just think out loud. "I need a jar for DD. Oh, let's see, here's some pears, and another jar of carrots, and one with some meat. I have to open the jars and put them in a bowl. Here's the bowl of food. Does DD want a spoon? Here you go. A red spoon." etc. You don't need "organized" conversations. Just hearing you speak is education enough. That's one of the best ways to teach DC.

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

i'm a speech therapist who did an internship in EI... i don't have any kids yet, but what somebody just said about " stream of consciousness" is a GREAT thing to do for their language development. just constantly talk to them and describe what you're doing, or what they're doing. you might feel really silly dong it, but it really helps them to hear words, and labels for things. just keep is simple sentences.
like when you're getting them dressed, say things like " shirt on" or ' pants on" this helps them learn the names for objects. or if hes playing with toy cars, and pushing it fast say smoething like " fast car!" or if its slow say " slow car"... that can help him learn about concepts like "fast" and "slow". same with "big' and "little"... " big ball" "little ball". again, you're not expecting him to know what they mean right now, but you're subtly introducing him to the concepts.
also- nursery rhymes and cute little songs are a great way for him to learn language, word play, rhyming....
that kind of stuff! hope i helped!

Message edited 4/14/2008 10:56:30 AM.

Re: Intellectual Stimulation

Right around 8 months, I hit that point that you are describing. I think they are trying to phase into the next step...one foot in newborn land, the other in infant..heading towards toddler.

He is listening to everything you say.

A spanish children's cd made me feel better...it gave me a break from talking.