-       Cognitive development means how children think, explore and figure things out. It is the development of knowledge, skills, problem solving and dispositions, which help children to think about and understand the world around them. Brain development is part of cognitive development.

Major Characteristics and Developmental Changes:

      i.        Children begin to think symbolically and learn to use words and pictures to represent objects.

    ii.        Children at this stage tend to be egocentric and struggle to see things from the perspective of others.

   iii.        While they are getting better with language and thinking, they still tend to think about things in very concrete terms.

1.    Talking with your baby and naming commonly used objects.

2.    Letting your baby explore toys and move about.

3.    Singing and reading to your baby.

4.    Exposing your toddler to books and puzzles.

5.    Expanding on your child's interests in specific learning activities. For example, your toddler might show an early interest in dinosaurs, so you can take him/her on a trip to the natural history museum to learn more about the time that these creatures roamed the earth.

7.    Provide him/her with choices and prompt him/her to make thoughtful decisions.

8.    You should also allow your child to explore different ways of solving problems. While you may want to provide some gentle guidance and encouragement, allow your child some time to figure out things, like a new puzzle. This may require some patience on your part, but it will ultimately help him/her to learn.