What makes it difficult for a baby or toddler to learn?

OUTSIDE BABY

❯ a sterile, unstimulating environment

❯ a harsh, abusive environment

❯ too little ME time every day with mom and dad (or guardians)

❯ the absence of a sympathetic caregiver if mom needs to go to work

❯ changing caregivers too often

❯ too many changes at one time

❯ the absence of a routine

❯ poor language role models

❯ having a carer who does not speak the mother tongue

❯ if parents and caregivers mix languages

INSIDE BABY

❯ health problems

❯ difficulty feeding

❯ difficulty moving – heavy head, poor muscle tone, physical deformities

❯ difficulty turning towards sound – recurring untreated ear infections, hearing impairment

❯ difficulty making sounds or a quiet baby – poor muscle tone in tongue, lips and cheeks

❯ difficulty connecting with parents, caregivers and others

INSIDE TODDLER

❯ difficulty connecting with parents, caregivers and others

❯ developmental delays

❯ difficulty listening and speaking – recurring untreated ear infections, hearing impairment, poor muscle tone in tongue, lips and cheeks

❯ difficulty in learning when to STOP – a lack of impulse control, developed memory, not listening the first time

❯ difficulty sequencing a task

❯ difficulty focusing on one thing at a time