Stop & Smell the Roses

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

16 Oct 2006 04:30 AM

Too often, as adults, we take the world and our perceptions of it for granted. We accept that we smell certain things when we go to different places. We see different things in different places and we hear different things in different places. We are so used to this plethora of sights, sounds, smells, touches and sensations that we learn to filter them. So while a part of your brain may acknowledge the fresh scent of the roses in your garden, you may not just stop and smell them - but your toddler will.

Your toddler is still acclimating to the world around them. They have no filters in place. They aren't blocking out any sights or sounds. The world cannot be compartmentalized or filtered down. They have to experience every sight, every sound, every touch, every scent and every feeling. Why do you think they are constantly putting things into their mouths? That's right, they are testing the taste of the objects or items in question.

Their five senses are a remarkable resource for the toddler to explore their world. The colors and the shapes and the combination the two make will fascinate them. Whether you encourage them or not, your toddler will automatically begin using their senses and will follow them on their own quest to peeling back the layers of the world around them.

You can help them with their exploration by using the touch and feel books, presenting them with different foods, flavors and scents - my daughter was especially fond of rose petals - she loved to touch them, play with them and smell them. But remember - the same stimulation your toddler gets from their senses can result in over-stimulation and leave them overwhelmed.

We'll take a few posts to talk about sense building techniques and games you can play this week! What do you remember about your toddler's development of senses?

Related Articles:

Baby's 5 Senses and How They Develop over the First Year

Make a 5 Senses Book

Toddler Tips: Toys for Tots

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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