Targeted Age: Twelve to Eighteen Months

Get a pretend telephone, so that when you are through your baby can pretend, too.

• Pretend the phone is ringing and answer it. As you are talking to the pretend person (use someone the baby knows, like grandparents), also talk to the baby. For example, " Hello Grandpa." Then say to the baby, "It's your grandpa."
• Talk about a special activity, a visit, and a meal or maybe plans for the day - something the baby is familiar with and will understand.
• Be sure to say " Good-bye" and hang up the phone. Then, give the phone to your baby and let him/her have a pretend conversation.

Reference: Games to Play with Babies by "Miss Jackie" Weissman