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Brain work

Babies' and toddlers' actions are the outward signs of the new connections that are being made in their minds, writes Penny Tassoni. Watching children grow and develop is fascinating. Not only do they master physical movements, but they gradually show that they can think and use abstract concepts. For many parents, this comes as a bit of an unwelcome surprise as their children begin to answer back, question why things are happening and voice their opinions!

Watching children grow and develop is fascinating. Not only do they master physical movements, but they gradually show that they can think and use abstract concepts. For many parents, this comes as a bit of an unwelcome surprise as their children begin to answer back, question why things are happening and voice their opinions!

Reasoning also shows itself in other ways as, for example, children begin to squabble over the best way to do something or the fairest solution to turn-taking.

So what are some of the steps that babies and toddlers make that move them from the 'here and now' world and allow them to think and reason?

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