In the first 1,000 days of life (first 3 years), your child’s brain develops faster than at any other time. Even more incredible is that before young children can even talk, you can help with that brain building. How? Through serve and return!
What is Serve and Return?
Serve and return is a series of back and forth interactions between a child and parent or primary caregiver, where an adult responds lovingly and appropriately to a baby or toddler’s noises and gestures. Think of it as a game of ping-pong: it’s all about the back and forth — and having fun!
The most important part is showing your child that you care, and reacting to their needs, emotions and things that excite them in a way that demonstrates that you are paying attention to them.
How do I practice serve and return with my child?
Building your baby’s brain does not need to be complicated and better yet, it can be built into every day routines and moments. Any moment with your baby can turn into a playful opportunity to learn!
Here are some easy ways you can start incorporating serve and return into your everyday interactions with your little one.
The Name Game
Add some fun to your morning routine! Dressing your child is a great opportunity to help her make important language connections. As you observe her interest in each article of clothing you put on, give them names. For example, as you hold up her shirt, say “yes, this is your shirt!” You can take it a step further by teaching her details about it: “What colour is this shirt? This is a blue shirt!”
Food time fun!
Explore your kitchen with your child – it’s full of exciting sights, colours, shapes and smells for your baby to explore. Support and encourage your child’s curiosity by paying close attention to what your child is looking at, interested in and reacting to. For example, if you notice your baby staring at a banana, pick it up and bring it closer to him while teaching him about what it is, what it feels like, what colour it is. Acknowledging your baby’s interests will help him to feel understood and cared for.
Bath Time Play
Grab some bath toys or a ball and get ready to play! Let your baby pick the toy that grabs their interest first. Play with them back and forth, and when they're ready to move to the next toy make a point to acknowledge the end of their time with the first toy by saying “all finished!” Toddlers may be readier than infants to lead playful moments that adults can then follow. Making connections to endings and beginnings, sharing and letting them take the lead will help them feel supported in their learning and exploring.
Point and Learn
Whether it’s in the car or around the neighbourhood, there are lots of things to see when walking outside. Pay attention to what your baby seems interested in through their gestures, gaze or sounds and point to it while telling your baby what it is: “Oh do you see the bird? That’s a beautiful bird!” This will show your child that you both care about their interests and encourage them to explore the world around him.
Food Swap
When feeding your baby a snack, take turns in who does the feeding. Feed them one piece and let them pick up the next piece. Even if it takes some time, wait for your child to respond. Taking turns helps build confidence and social skills. This would be a great game for babies 6 months and older.
By taking the time to create these back and forth interactions every day, you are helping to prepare your baby, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and problem solving. Who knew brain building could be so much fun?!
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