The following content is created in consultation with First 5 California. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC BAY AREA's editorial staff. To learn more visit First5California.com.

Did you know that more than 80 percent of your child’s brain growth is completed by the the time they turn three years old? Which is why the earliest days, months and years of your child’s life matter immensely when it comes to early experiences that shape their mental development.

Fortunately, it’s easy for parents to get their children started off on the right foot, all without a formal lesson plan or any fancy educational toys.

By simply talking, reading and singing to your child, you’ll be stimulating their brains, enabling them to develop at fantastic speeds as neurons connect by the millions. Children, after all, are like sponges, absorbing everything around them.

Which is why it’s so important that parents interact with their child from day one. Developing and “exercising” your baby’s brain is comparable to strength-training for the mind. By talking, reading and singing, you’re helping to build connections in the brain that will affect your child’s life forever, from developing a larger vocabulary to increased social and emotional skills to even a more successful financial future.

Conversely, a child who doesn’t receive early stimulation through experiences and interactions will suffer throughout the rest of his/her life. Why? Because trillions of brain-cell connections, called neural synapses, form in your baby’s brain during the first few years of life, and synapses that do not “connect” now are unfortunately lost forever.

The good news is that it’s easy and fun to talk, read and sing with your child, even for parents that are tight on time.

TALK
Just because your baby can’t talk back yet (you’ll miss those days when they become teenagers) doesn’t mean you should skimp on the conversation. To keep them stimulated, call out the colors that you see, tell them stories and always ask them questions. Children are naturally inquisitive, but don’t wait for them to start asking you questions. Instead, keep them engaged and develop their vocabulary by focusing on asking them 20 questions throughout the day, from “What color are daddy’s socks?” to “Do you see the red car driving next to us?”

READ
Babies who are read and talked to from an early age often develop better vocabularies and wind up doing better in school. Sure, they may not know what you’re saying, but their brains are physically growing with every word you say. Pick up colorful books regularly at the local library and make it a habit to read together every day for at least 30 minutes. And remember, it doesn’t have to be a solid 30 minutes; setting aside 10 minutes in the middle of the day, 10 minutes before nap time and 10 minutes before bed works great, and may be more realistic for your schedule.

SING
Belting out the hits is a great way to stimulate brain activity in your child. Plus it’s fun for everyone involved. Sing along to the radio while you run errands, join in on their favorite TV shows, call out the names and colors of things, or even dust off your old albums. The best part? They won’t even judge you if you can’t cary a tune!

By the time your child reaches three years old, he or she should know or recognize about 1,000 words. This important milestone doesn’t happen on its own, though. It needs your efforts, but luckily they are simple. Having lots of conversations with your child, sharing songs and reading regularly will set him or her on a path for success.

For more information on how to stimulate your child through talking, reading and singing, plus free book downloads, activity tips and more, visit First5California.com.

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