Your child can now hold a picture in their head of something they want. They may be playing and think of a toy they need, then go and find the toy. Or they might start to feel sleepy so they go and look for their blanket.

This is an early use of symbolic communication. They have a picture in their head that represents an object or idea. When they can attach a word to that picture, they will be using a symbol.

This is also an example of how an executive function develops. Executive functions are how we manage our thinking and actions. Your child is learning how to make a plan and carry it out—“I need the blanket. I will look for the blanket. I found the blanket.” As they practice this kind of search, they learn to persist in working toward a goal.

Today’s activity: Model your thinking by saying it out loud. “We need the ball. Where’s the ball? Let’s find the ball…Here’s the ball!” Your think-aloud helps your child understand that they can think and talk about things that are not present and make plans for the future.

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