Talking Toddlers

PLAY-Based Learning with 12-18 month olds - keep is simple, let them struggle

Erin Hyer Season 1 Episode 22

Episode 022

PLAY is the WORK of your child …

In this episode, I expand on what types of play is best for the 12 - 18 month old AND why they need you to play with them.

It’s a very exciting growth period with a lot of Aha moments. 

Your toddler is constantly moving, doing, and trying things out … don’t inhibit this exploration. He is busy building his brain circuits!

Also - I explain why they need to struggle - every once in a while. 

Don’t be so quick to “do it for them.”

Childhood is messy - and us adults need to get comfortable with the mess, because the other side is brighter and so much more rewarding.

Penelope Leach, author of Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five wrote:

For a small child there is not division between playing and learning;

Between the things he or she does “just for fun” and things that are ‘educational.’

The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable - is also play.


It shouldn’t end with childhood. Let’s bring it back into our lives, through our children we can reignite our play skills. 

Everyone benefits. 

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