Children learn best through play, says Gaye Grunlond, an educational consultant and author of Developmentally Appropriate Play: Guiding Young Children to a Higher Level. But that doesn't mean you need to buy expensive or large toys. There are plenty of simple games and activities that help develop your child's brain without spending a fortune.

Most parents have heard of the term “Mozart Effect.” This term refers to the idea that listening to classical music can boost intelligence, especially in infants. So is listening to music good for the brain, and is it good for children to listen to music?