At what age do children typically begin to engage in basic problem-solving skills?

Children typically begin to engage in basic problem-solving skills around the age of 12 months. At this stage of development, infants are becoming increasingly aware of their surroundings and can use sensory experiences to explore and learn. They start to understand cause-and-effect relationships, such as realizing that if they drop a toy, it falls, or if they push a button, something happens.

By 12 months, many children can manipulate objects and start to explore simple solutions to challenges, such as moving an object out of the way to reach another or using trial and error to see how different actions lead to different outcomes. This cognitive advancement lays the groundwork for more complex problem-solving skills to develop as they age. At this age, toddlers may also begin to show signs of thinking ahead and planning actions, even if these skills are basic.

Understanding this milestone is crucial, as it highlights a key aspect of cognitive development during early childhood, setting the stage for further learning and exploration in later years.