One fantastic way to provide your child with lauguage skills and a 'leg up' on brain development - is a simple trip to the grocery store (scroll down to view the numerous photos).

As a former nanny (16+ years) I would constantly talk to the children I worked with. Day in, day out, morning, noon and night. "What do you see? What do you hear? What color is that? Can you tell me how many you see? Is that so-and-so hot or cold?"

I have done this with my own children, also - from birth. That's right; from birth. They may not appear to understand what you are saying but they do. In fact, studies have been performed in order to defend this theory.

I will warn you: I get funny looks. In fact, one gal just yesterday (during our Safeway field trip) made a point of whispering to her husband that I was a bit nuts. "Look! She is talking to the kids about everything and taking photos. How weird."

Newsflash: My children are extremely verbal and well spoken. I had a waiting list as a nanny, after other parents heard my 2-year-old speaking in paragraph form: "Oh, mom. I would like a piece of cheese, please. Do you have time to get that for me?"

Apology: Sorry for that blatant brag moment.

Scroll down for a step-by-step sharing of our Safeway field trip. If you do not yet practice this language-building philosophy, you might like to consider it. What's to lose? Our children love to learn. In fact, they were born to do it. By utilizing every moment possible to teach them about their surroundings, you are giving them a gift: the gift of comprehension.

Off we go!

We began our journey at the front of the the store. Daddy explained the movies to Sammy: "This is where people can rent movies."

Mommy said: "Water. You are drinking water with a green straw."

Daddy said: "This is bread. It's on sale today. We will buy two loaves."

Sammy yelled out: "A blue balloon! It's blue, Mommy!" Mommy answered, "Yes. You are right. That balloon is blue!"

Daddy pointed out: "This is milk. Milk is cold."

Sammy said: "That's a bunny. The bunny is white." Mommy replied: "Yes. Now tell me about the other animals, too!"

Mommy said: "This is dog food. It's on sale today. What color is that package? It's purple!"

Sammy yelled out: "These balloons are green, mommy! I like green balloons!"

Daddy told Jack: "This chicken is frozen. Frozen food is cold."

Sammy peeking in the mirror and saying: "Hi! I'm Sammy! We are shopping today! Let's go THAT way!"

Mommy asked: "What color are the tomatoes?" Sammy yelled out: "They are red!" She then moved down the line, naming the color of every other food: green, yellow, brown, etc.

Mommy said: "The ice water is COLD. You are making a mess with the water right now."

Sammy got very excited: "Look! Watermelons - like on Dragon Tales! I want to eat watermelon!"

The ice water was taken away. Mommy and Daddy explained: "We know you are mad. We took the water away because you spilled it."

Daddy said: "These are mushrooms. Look - the package matches your jacket. They are both blue."

Sammy exclaimed: "Look, mommy! A purple roof! And bunnies and ducks and umbrellas!" We talked about all of the animals and the colors.

Mommy asked: "What colors are the eggs on the book? Can you tell me?" Sammy answered, "Yes! This one is yellow. This one is pink. Look! One has a chicken and one has a bunny!"

Mommy and Sammy talked about the bunnies: "This one is purple. This one is pink. This one is green. They are soft!" We picked them up and hugged them..."Oh...so soft and cuddly!"

Whatever your child's age, she/he will love the interaction, the verbal communication and the explanations of the items they see, touch and feel.

Enjoy your children and teach them well - for they are not replaceable. Parenting is not a dress rehersal - you only get one chance to live each day with them!

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kid Perks and Personal Child Stories. She has a background in early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.