There is a very good book, recently shared here on HN: Brain Rules for Baby, https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Rules-Baby-Raise-Smart/dp/0979777763 https://www.amazo

There is a very good book, recently shared here on HN: Brain Rules for Baby, https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Rules-Baby-Raise-Smart/dp/0979777763 https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Rules-Baby-Raise-Smart/dp/09797... I recommend it. In short, the best things to develop toddler's intelligence are talking to them a lot, simple toys (boxes, plain blocks), and common tools for creativity like markers and paper. I am also thinking about ways to develop abstract thinking in my baby. I plan to work on cards / minibooks to teach him some abstract concepts in a basic way: like transformations, combinations, logic, sets, etc. I think it's very important not to force it on children, do not burden them with your expectations - they will rebel or build low self-esteem. It should be a delicate support, encouragement for them to follow their natural curiosity deeper, like Paul Graham described in his recent essay http://www.paulgraham.com/genius.html http://www.paulgraham.com/genius.html