1. Parenting 5.01 A Toddler’s Mind

2. Memory
The ability to store and recall information learned and events experienced
Most people’s earliest memory is from around 3 ½ years old

3. Attention Span
The ability to focus for a time on selected sensory information or an activity
Normal attention span is 3-5 minutes/year of age

4. Perception
The ability to take in information from the senses

5. Reasoning
The ability to figure out what to do; the solution to a problem, why something has happened
A young toddler solves problems by trial-and-error, and the older toddler uses memory

6. Imagination
The ability to think of things in ways different from how they exist in reality
Helps children cope with fears and things they don’t understand
Play encourages imagination

7. Creativity
The ability to make something concrete from what one has imagined
A toddler’s fine motor skills are increasing with the ability to hold a crayon and color and write.

8. Curiosity
The inner need to question things that leads to learning more about them
Toddler’s wonder “Why” and “How”
This is encouraged by providing a safe environment, new experiences, and using imagination