Appropriate Stimulation for the Growth and Development of the Little One

Morinaga Platinum ♦ 1 August 2017

Appropriate Stimulation for the Growth and Development of the Little One

Complete and balanced nutrition is required by the active and intelligent Little One. In addition, they also require appropriate stimulations from their environment. There is no one more appropriate to provide stimulations for the Little One compared to their parents, as they are the individuals who understand and follow their development since they were born.

It should be understood that stimulations for the growth and development of the Little One should not be done recklessly. We should first be aware of the age and developmental phase of the Little One, and then adjust the stimulations that are going to be provided.

For Little Ones aged 0-3 months, parents can stimulate them by expressing their affection. Hug the Little One tightly, carry them, look into their eyes, smile, and talk to them. Parents can also play music with a soft tune, provide toys with sounds, or hang colourful toys above the Little One’s bed.

If their age has reached 3-6 months, the Little One can usually be stimulated to tilt their body, or even lie on their stomach. Use mirrors as a tool to assist stimulations. They will be amazed to see their own face. Play ‘peek-a-boo’ with Little One, and they will certainly be very happy.

When the Little One reaches the age of 6-9 months, teach them to sit as well as stand while holding on. Parents can also train them to shake hands as well as clap. Get accustomed to reading a bedtime story for the Little One, which will sharpen their intelligence.

Parents can start training to Little One to get to know their own name better when they are 9-12 months old. Teach them other words to refer to their family members, such as mama, papa, brother, sister, and so on. They can also be trained to stand and walk while holding on. In addition, the Little One can also be taught to drink from a glass, put toys back in their places, and roll a ball.

Assembling blocks or a simple puzzle can be introduced to the Little One at the age of 12-18 months. They will also already be able to hold cutleries, use pencils to scribble on paper, place or remove an object into or from its container, as well as play with dolls.

At this stage, the Little One can generally be able to walk without holding on any longer. Train them to go up the stairs, understand and perform simple instructions, as well as mention and point to objects.

At the age of 18-24 months, the Little One can be taught names of body parts such as eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. As their vocabulary increases, they are able to memorize the names of some animals and simple objects. Train the Little One to perform daily activities independently, such as eating, drinking, hand washing, and other activities.

The development of Little Ones aged between 2-3 years old will become more complicated. The Little One will already have a vocabulary bank of at least 50 words, and they can build their own sentences comprising of three words. They will be able to identify hidden objects, run, and go up and down the stairs. Train the Little One to recognize and memorize names of colours, draw shapes, and use the toilet.

When reaching the age of 3 years old, parents should train the Little One to build their independence and ability to share with their friends. In addition, stimulate the Little One to strengthen their writing abilities by teaching them how to hold a pencil correctly, recognize letters and numbers, as well as perform simple instructions. All of these will be beneficial in preparing the Little One for their schooling period.

Now, parents will already know that the type of stimulations provided to the Little One should be in accordance to their age, so that their growth and development proceeds optimally. Certainly, stimulations should not be conducted recklessly, and all of these should be beneficial for the intelligence of the Little One. What are the different types of intelligence? How to provide the appropriate stimulations? Find all the answers in the Morinaga MI Play Plan website. There, parents can identify the dominant type of intelligence in the Little One as well as enjoyable play activity ideas that will stimulate them.

Sharpen the intelligence of the Little One by ensuring that they obtain complete nutrition and appropriate stimulations. With that, they will grow to become a healthy, strong, and intelligent individual.