How and when should I teach my child numbers?

You may not realise it, but children as young as 12 months can start to learn about numbers – albeit small groups of one, two, or three. At that age, you can count items with him – one orange, two apples, three lemons, and so on. He may not understand the more abstract ideas behind numbers, but he can start learning the words.

By the age of two, many children can recite numbers from one to ten, but they may skip them, mix them up, or leave a few out, and they still won’t really understand what they mean.
Try counting everyday objects with your child – the number of soaps in the bathroom, the number of apples in a bowl, and so on. Investing in colourful posters and books about counting can help too.

It will take some time before your child realises that the words you are teaching him actually refer to the items, but at some point, he will make the connection. In fact, sometime between the ages of three and four, your toddler will also begin to understand that numbers increase and decrease when objects are added or taken away, although identifying written numbers will usually only emerge as a skill between four and five.

In the mean time, have fun counting objects with your toddler or preschooler, and helping him learn the words.

More questions

Our little one is in preschool. Is this a good time to get a family dog?

There is no right or wrong age to get a family dog; however, you should be mindful of your situation before you rush into things.

My toddler is drooling and having trouble eating. Should I worry?

Drooling and difficulty eating can be associated with normal toddler behaviour, illness or sensory processes.

When does separation and independence occur in a child?

Up to the age of three, your toddler will be over separation anxiety. However, as there are so many separations in the years of growing up – pre-school, a few days away at camp, and even your child’s first year at college, bouts of separation anxiety could very well occur from time to time all through your child’s life.

How can I ensure that my toddler’s motor development is on track?

As long as your toddler has plenty of space and time to play, and practice all their new physical skills, they’re probably doing just fine with her development!

How can I make sure that my child stays curious and interested in the world around him?

Toddlers are naturally curious about everything. Instead of stifling that curiosity, you should be making every effort to promote it!

Encouraging imagination and creativity: how do I do it?

Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.

I want my child to be in touch with her emotions. How can I ensure that she grows up that way?

Young children are emotional beings. The worst thing you can do is make them stifle those emotions. Teach them how to cope with them instead, and you’ll raise a well-adjusted child.

Encouraging spirituality: how can I make sure that my child grows up with a spiritual foundation?

If you want your child to grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, it’s never too young to start teaching, but remember to teach by example.