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My golden rules for play
Our Learning & Play Expert Ruth, shares her top six tips on how to play with your little one that will aid their development.
A must read for any parent wanting to play more and help their child’s development.
As parents we have a tendency to over complicate things, due to the influence of social media, marketing pressures and society. One thing that has become over complicated is play. Play needs to be anything but complicated and actually, true child-led play is the least complicated thing ever because we can’t control it all! I do, however, recognise that the concept of helping your child to learn through play can be daunting. So here are my golden rules to simplify, help your sanity and put the power of play into your little one’s day….
- Less is more. Too many toys does not equal lots of play. In fact, it quite often has the opposite effect as when a child is in a room with too many toys it becomes over whelming. Make sure you provide a play space for your baby that isn’t over crowded with toys and they have a few they can explore properly rather than loads they don’t know where to begin with!
- Toy rotation is a great way to keep your child’s interest in the toys they have without having to buy new things. Keep some toys away perhaps in a cupboard or garage and have a few toys out accessible for your baby. Switch and rotate these every so often to keep the toys on offer fresh, new and exciting!
- Don’t force your child to play with something. Follow their interests and provide play opportunities that reflect this. If it’s personally meaningful it will become intrinsically motivating and your little one will play with it much more than if it’s something they’re not really in to.
- Leave things out for your little one to discover. When they find it themselves they will be much more intrigued to explore and play.
- Set aside what time you can to really connect with your child through play. Even if this is only 5 – 10 minutes a day. Pop a timer on your phone, put your phone on the side and get down to your child’s level to play and connect with them for this uninterrupted time. It will help them feel truly connected to you and boost their wellbeing as well as support their development.
- Remember you can be playful all the time! Turn every day moments into little playful games or moments and take the pressure off – you’ll enjoy it much more and your little one will flourish.
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