Repetition games

From a young age, children love playing the same games over and over and having their favourite stories read to them again and again. Repetition is comforting for them and plays a pivotal role in their development, especially during this stage of intense learning.

The benefits of repetition for children

Motor skills development

When it comes to motor activities, repetition helps little ones learn and practise new skills. For example, when they repeatedly build a block tower, they are exerting their fine motor skills.

Repetition also allows little ones to explore their ability to make more precise movements. Every time they throw a ball, clap their hands, roll on the ground, or make noise with their mouths, they do it a little differently. In fact, it’s by repeating the same actions that children eventually learn to walk, run, and ride a bike.

Cognitive development

Repetition also helps children strengthen their memory. Since their memory is still developing, repetition mostly helps them remember the things they enjoy. Singing the same nursery rhymes over and over supports language development, while doing the same puzzles repeatedly teaches them to recognize sizes and shapes using their eyes and hands.

For example, when a baby throws food or something else on the floor over and over, they’re not trying to upset their parents. They’re testing out a brand-new concept for them. Before they age of 9 or 10 months, babies simply believe that objects disappear when they’re out of sight. That’s why they’re so fascinated when they drop something from their high chair and someone hands it back to them.

By repeatedly dropping food or objects on the floor, babies learn that things still exist even when they’re out sight. This game is all the more exciting when they realize that they can drop an object whenever they decide to. They also begin to understand cause and effect: When they drop a toy, mom or dad will pick it up and give it back.

Repetition is also a way for children to test their understanding of concepts like gravity. For example, they will realize that if they don’t hold onto something, it will drop to the ground.

What is happening when your child repeats things?

When your child learns something new, their brain is developing. New connections form between their brain cells. The more they repeat a word or action, the stronger these connections become.

That’s why they’ll easily learn and retain words like milk and night-night, because they hear them every day. But a word like dentist is tougher to grasp and remember since it doesn’t come up as often.

When they repeat the same game, your child experiences each time as a new opportunity to use their senses. The joy they feel during an activity is closely linked to the sensations it elicits. For example, they love looking at the colours they lined up in their block tower and how the blocks tumble down when it collapses. Jumping in puddles or doodling on paper also feels new every time because the sensations are never exactly the same.

When your little one has played a game many times, they’ll start to tweak it or gravitate toward a more stimulating activity. However, if they’re repeating a game that is much too easy for them, try changing the rules or increasing the difficulty level. This encourages them to experiment with the game in new ways and push themselves. You can also incorporate the repeated game into another activity.

Here are some suggestions :

• If a puzzle seems too easy for your child, give them another one with more pieces. You can also turn an easy puzzle into an obstacle course by scattering the pieces around the room and having your child put it together in the middle of the room. As they move around to gather the pieces, have them tackle different challenges, like hopping like a bunny rabbit.
• If your little one always plays with their toy cars the same way, try adding an action figure or doll to their play; the figurine can act as a parking attendant and talk to the drivers of the cars.
• If they like singing the same song over and over, suggest some fun ways to change it up, like singing it faster or slower, singing it louder or softer, dancing while they sing, changing the lyrics, or even putting on a little show.

Why does your child often want to hear the same stories?

Around the age of 3, your child begins to anticipate the emotions they felt during previous readings of a book. They genuinely enjoy reliving those feelings.

Rereading a story is also a memory exercise for them, as they want to check if they remember it correctly. So, don’t be surprised when you dare to skip a sentence or a page in the book.

Additionally, your child will not necessarily focus on the same elements of the story, meaning each time is a new experience for them to enjoy. You can help by pointing things out and asking them questions about some of the details each time they read.

For example, you can draw their attention to the character’s clothes (e.g. “He is wearing heavy boots because it’s cold”) and, during the next reading, to the characters’ emotions (e.g. “It looks like their hands are trembling. Do you think they are afraid?”) or to the shape of objects (e.g. “What shape is the roof of the house?”).

When they eventually get to know the story well, your little one will be excited to tell it themselves. They’ll feel proud to be able to “read” it like a big kid. Repeating nursery rhymes and songs they’ve learned brings them the same joy. As they discover new books and songs that pique their interest, they may no longer want to hear the same ones over and over.

When should you consult a doctor?

Repetition is normal, desirable, and beneficial to your child’s development and functioning. However, you should talk to your pediatrician if, after the age of 18 months, your child :

• Only repeats one game (e.g., lining up cars) or a single action (e.g., pressing a button that makes a noise)
• Repeats an action that isn’t typically interesting for other kids their age (e.g., opening and closing doors)
• Resists every change you suggest
• Always refuses to let someone else join in their repetitive play
• Uses repetitive language and gestures during play (e.g., repeating the same phrase, flapping their hand near their eyes at a specific moment in a game), and consistently lies on the floor on their side or stomach to play
• Feels uncomfortable with new things in general

The doctor can help you better understand your child’s needs and suggest ways to encourage them to vary their play and learning. A strong interest in repetitive play may be a sign of autism spectrum disorder.

Things to keep in mind

• It’s normal for your child to love repeating the same games and hearing the same story multiple times.
• Repetition helps your little one learn, develop new skills, and grow their brain.
• You can use their need for repetition to establish daily routines. A well-established routine can be comforting for your child.

Scientific review: Josiane Caron Santha, occupational therapist Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: December 2024

Photos: iStock.com/VladartDesign and GettyImages/kate_sept2004