MOST people have fond memories of singing nursery rhymes, playing games or reading favourite books from childhood, but many are unaware that these fun moments of parent and child interaction played an important role in making us who we are today.
The big things like confidence, reading and language skills develop when your kids are under three.
This is why the Scottish Government's Early Years campaign is calling on parents and carers across Scotland to Play, Talk and Read with their little ones more often.
Recent research has shown that, during the first three years, 75 per cent of brain growth is complete and an estimated 50 per cent of our language is in place. Studies have also shown that parents who talk to their tots a lot can increase the amount of words they know by as many as 250 by the age of two.
In fact, simple things like singing "Humpty Dumpty", kicking a ball around the park with dad or colouring-in can have a huge impact on a child's capacity to learn as well as their social behaviour and chances in life.
Sue Palmer, literacy expert and chair of the Scottish Play Policy Forum, said: "With so many pressures on parents these days it's easy to lose track of what wee ones need to grow up bright, balanced and resilient. 'Play Talk Read' sums it up. From the moment they're born, children need real-life play and fun activities to develop their physical co-ordination and control. They need mum and dad to talk to them about everyday events to develop their language and social skills. And they need stories, rhymes and songs to lay the foundation for success at school.
"The Play Talk Read campaign is brilliant. I've met lots of parents who find the website really helpful. It just nudges your memory with ideas for having fun with babies and toddlers, while helping along their natural development."
For more play ideas, hints and tips on how to keep your little one stimulated and to find some interactive fun, visit the Scottish Government's Early Years website www.playtalkread.org
Keep them entertained
FINDING new and exciting ways to play with your little ones doesn't need to cost much. By simply making time to read books, sing songs, pull funny faces or play with whatever's to hand, you can help to give them the best possible start in life.
Ready, set, scribble: Simply grab some paper and let your little ones get creative with pencils or crayons.
Treasure trail: Wrap up warm and head to the local park, forest or beach to collect as many items as possible such as sticks, stones, leaves or shells. Once home stick them to a piece of paper to make your own creative pictures.
Make a secret den: Transform part of your home in to a secret hideaway by throwing a sheet over a table or chairs and giving them a new space to play in!
Playing outdoors: Getting out in the fresh air as often as possible is important for your little one's well being. It also gives them a chance to play with what nature has to offer from water and wind to earth.
Make salt dough: Children really love messy play. All you need is a cup of flour, half a cup of salt, a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil and a cup of water. Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan on a low heat, then leave to cool. Then you have your own plasticine to roll out or make shapes with.
Cook together: No matter what you are rustling up there are great ways to get them involved and excited! Cupcakes are fun to make and a great way to let them get creative. For really simple recipes see www.netmums.com/food/cooking_with_kids
Making things: Keep your old margarine tubs and build a tower together - your tots will love knocking it down when they are finished!
Tell a story: Reading is a great way of developing your wee ones' language skills from an early age. So why not make reading as fun as possible - try singing or acting out the story to keep them entertained.
