Brain Games for 2 Year Olds: Playing Simple Games Can Help Your Child Grow

Did you know that by the time a child is three, his brain has formed about 1000 trillion connections - that's about twice as many as adults have. A baby's brain is super dense and will stay that way for the first ten years. After that, the brain will begin to get rid of extra connections, gradually making order out of a thick tangle of information.

By playing certain games or doing certain activities repeatedly during the toddler years, will actually make the brain connections used in such play permanent. A child can "grow" a brain through singing, dancing, cuddling, rocking, talking, smelling, or tasting. Playing meaningful games with toddlers will encourage pathways of their brains make new connections.

The best way to develop a child's brain connections is to give the child what he needs. A safe and interesting environment to explore filled with people who will respond to the child's emotional and intellectual needs is what most families already provide.

Children simply need loving supportive people in their lives who will cuddle them, sing to them, read to them, hug them and talk to them. Fancy flash cards and videos aren't needed.

Again... simply expose them to a variety of experiences, activities and toys while giving them love and security is really all they need.

Here are a few ideas for games and activities you can do with your child who is two years old, to stimulate their brain. *Note: what for signs of over-stimulation - fussiness or tiredness.

*Mirror, Mirror: Children love to look at themselves in the mirror. Use this time to help your child think about the different parts of the body to enhance her observation skills. If it's a full length mirror you can have fun by jumping, twisting, clapping and shaking. With a hand mirror, make different faces; discuss the emotions that match the expressions; a perfect opportunity to talk about emotions.

*The Whispering Game: Two year olds are fascinated by whispering, especially once they can do it. Whispering helps a child modulate her voice; it's an important aspect of sound awareness and takes a lot of concentration. This comes in handy during times when you want your child to be quiet!

*Musical Instruments: If you can, provide an assortment of rhythm instruments for a two-year-old to explore different kinds of sounds. Drums, sand blocks, triangles, sticks, bells. This type of one-on-one experience with sound affects the neural circuits in the brain that will be formed for life. Making instruments is just as effective and can be fun. Point out how some sound alike and others different. Keep in mind that simple rhythm such as patting your knee or clapping hands and asking the child to do the same, is all that is needed to strengthen these circuits in the brain.

*Grocery Shopping: Ask your child to help prepare a grocery list and then once at the market, have him help you find the items. Examine fruit and vegetables for their colors and textures. At home, let him help you put away the packages. Praise his efforts. This activity promotes independence and complexity in the brain. It also makes grocery shopping a bit more fun!

*Let's Choose: This is a simple activity about letting the child choose. Let him choose one piece of clothing he'd like to wear for the day, the food for his snack, or to play inside or outside. Discuss the pros and cons of the choice but it is important for the child to feel good about the choices he makes.

*Reading Books: At this age, you can probably hold your child's attention for quite a while with books. Rhyming words, descriptive words, and simple stories are in demand now. Don't be surprised if they have a favorite book that you may have to read several times. This is great for simply word identification and storytelling skills. Have fun and let the child "read" the book to you.

*The classic games: Ring Around the Rosy, Duck/Goose, Playing with blocks, The Wheels on the Bus, I Spy, Sorting Toys, Hopscotch, Laundry baskets, Coloring. These are all wonderful ways to develop your child's spatial understanding, coordination, and multiple brain connections.

Altogether, give your child what he needs, which is a safe environment that is interesting to explore and filled with people who will give him love, comfort and encouragement. By repeating simple games and activities, you can build your child's brain and develop a loving bond. Children are small for a short time, enjoy while you can!