Precious Playtime for Better Baby Brains

^{Image by Francis Vachon}

Watching a baby at play is an amazing, beautiful thing. Journalist and doting parent Francis Vachon has shared with us his time lapse recording of baby Edward’s 4hrs of playtime, compressed into two and a half minutes. Apart from being very cute(!) the footage helps us understand the enormous value of play. Vachon explains the power of babies’ brains:

Here’s the thing about babies. When we’re born, we get the brain cells we need, but the connections between cells haven’t formed yet. In those first few years as we explore the world, the cells begin to link up at a dizzying pace, forming tens of thousands, even millions of new links. When you watch Edward you can almost feel it happening.

You can read more here.

Tips for Sharing Books With Your Child

It has been shown that the single most important activity in building knowledge for future success is reading out loud to your child.

Pick the best time. Choose a time to read when you and your baby are happy and content and can enjoy this special time together. Any time when your baby is settled but not sleepy or tired is perfect.

Show your baby the book. Talk and read in a cheerful voice, point to the pictures as you read and talk about them (do this even with tiny babies). This adds to a baby’s vocabulary and shows them how conversation works back and forth.

Be aware of what your baby wants. Don't worry if your baby is restless and is not interested in the book – stop if they are upset.

Read aloud with your child every day. Choose books that you and your child enjoy. If your child chooses the same old favourite over and over again, this may be boring for you but it will please your child and they may even begin to recognise some words.

Take books with you when you go out. You might have to wait somewhere and have a few spare moments to read.

Have Fun! Sharing books together creates a special bond between parents and children.

Toddler Time at Busselton Library

Join Kate and her orangutan every four weeks at 10.00am on Friday for a fun workshop especially for toddlers.

Held at the Busselton Library on Stanley Street, each session lasts for around half an hour and includes songs and rhymes siutable for active little ones.

Participation is free, and bookings are not necessary.

The next Toddler Time session will be at 10.00am, Friday 1st April at the Busselton Public Library.

Visit our Parenting Programme Calendar for upcoming session dates, or phone the Busselton Library on (08) 9754 1588 for more information.

Better Beginnings for Families

This programme has been developed for families with children aged 0-3 years. The aim is to encourage the development of literacy and a love of books and reading. Further information is available through your local library, health nurse and the State Library of WA, or by going to the Better Beginnings website.