Blowing raspberries is only one of the many silly—yet educational—games you can play that work on language and social skills. Here are some others:
- Try imitating whatever sounds your child makes. Go back and forth and have a “conversation.” Add a new sound occasionally, then wait to see if he imitates. For instance, if he’s already saying “dada,” try getting him to say “gaga.”
- Play with sound by changing the pitch of words when you talk or sing to her. For instance: high/low, fast/slow, soft/loud.
- Gently rub your fingers on baby’s lips to try to get him to make a rolling sound.
- Put your lips on her stomach or arms and gently blow.
- Sing familiar songs using different voice sounds. Try a low growly voice, a high squeaky voice, or a soft whisper. Or grab a stuffed animal, doll, or puppet to help you sing.
- Encourage your baby to “talk” into a play telephone.
- Babies love combining actions and words, so try finger songs. Some perennial favorites include: The Itsy-Bitsy Spider; Wheels on the Bus; and Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
Above all, talk, talk, talk to your baby. There’s no greater gift for encouraging parent/child communication and social interaction than the sound of your voice.
And you’ll both enjoy it.