You've heard many times before that a child's infancy and pre-school years are crucial for their development. When an infant or toddler is first learning about the world, they set patterns of learning and thinking that set the tone for the rest of their lives. If you want to make sure your child is equipped for their futures, you can implement some of these strategies to help them along.

1. Talk and Read Often

Babies learn language through exposure, but simply putting on music or TV for them won't connect with their minds correctly. Instead, talk to them as much as you can during the time you are with them - some suggest exaggerating tones, sounds, facial expressions, and gestures so that the child can absorb all the facets of the language.

Reading is a helpful way to expose your child to more language, especially when you don't feel like you can talk all the time. When you read to your infant or toddler, even if they don't remember the information itself, they pick up broader skills in language and communication, as well as learning to connect the sounds you make with the pictures in their favorite books.

2. Build Broad Skills

While teaching your child to read by age three or speak bilingually by age two are admirable goals, they have more important things to learn during this time. Instead, focus on teaching them how to respond when they can't have their way, appropriate ways to interact with other people, and how to solve problems as they come up.

Learning how to deal with people is one of the reasons children need playdates and time with others their age. Many children who grow up focused on intellectual development have trouble with friendships, practical problem solving, or temper tantrums when they don't get their way. When you put several two-year-olds in the same room for extended times, they'll have to learn how to keep peace with each other.

Children don't come by this on their own, of course. You as the parent can guide your child in the right direction if you step in when things start going badly, help them figure out what went wrong and express it, and brainstorm with them to come up with a better way to do things next time. As your little one grows, they'll become more adaptable to the people and situations around them.

3. Be a Hands-On Parent

While being involved in your child's life is a given at this age, the focus here is on touch. Children can suffer in multiple developmental areas if their caregivers do not touch them or interact with them much physically. At every point in life, but especially during these developmental years, touch is critical for a healthy child.

By something as simple as picking your little one up, wiggling their fingers or toes when you say the word, playing pattycake, or stroking their nose to help them fall asleep, you can promote healthy, positive touch. Just a couple more bonuses of touch: it helps your little one realize they have your attention, and it helps their attention to focus on you as well.

4. Let Them Set the Pace

You may find yourself trying to do everything experts recommend, all at once, and drive your entire family crazy in doing so. In fact, your child doesn't need all of the brain stimulants, educational TV shows, bright lights, and loud toys. What they need most of all is you, their parent, and to play and learn at their own pace. If you let them do that, they have every chance to grow up happy and healthy.

Are you looking for a daycare that promotes your child's development? Check out Small World Early Learning & Development Center for a rich learning environment your child will love.