Over the next few days, I’m going to lead you through everything you need to know to confidently and quickly schedule successful playdates for your child.

You’ll receive a ton of useful information, including access to the latest research that proves how important play time is to your child’s developing brain, tips on choosing age-appropriate activities, and what to expect when the kids get together and do their jobs — play!

Also, in the spirit of true coaching and mentorship, I will help you know where to get even more information on each topic that this course covers. Look for the list of related topics at the end of each blog post.

One year-old attention spans are not still waters, nor do they run deep.  That is why the simplest of imitative and repetitive actions, like pretending to nod and talk along while mother is on the phone, often emerge around the age of 12 or 13 months.

Evolving from the simple to the complex, pretend play unfolds in a succession of events.  The older infant (second half of first year) has sufficient memory and brain development to keep track of objects and current events.  Emphasis on “current.”

The information (actions of other household members like folding towels, or stirring) is readily available, and tools are, as well.  At first, the accuracy of the prop matters — she thinks the best way to imitate your telephone conversation is by taking your real phone out of your real purse, and dialing!  

Gravel scattered as the pint-sized Superhero leapt from the choo-choo train in a stumbling bound, and firmly planted his sock-and-sandal clad feet.

His glare dispersed part-time villains as a light breeze and healthy imagination buoyed his invisible, yet fluttering, red cape.

One of our family’s favorite photographs shows my Army veteran dad in his new uniform: pajamas and bathrobe.  The photo shows Dad perched at the edge of the sofa that dominated our den, as he dutifully fed a baby doll.

He had barely awakened and poured his coffee one Thanksgiving morning when a higher-ranking officer, my toddler daughter Nia, gave him his orders.