While play is crucial for a child’s development, it is also beneficial for people of all ages. Play can add joy to life, relieve stress, supercharge learning, and build healthy relationships. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable – think modern IT companies.
As well as aiding your child’s development, play can also bring you closer together and strengthen the adult-child bond that will last a lifetime.
How to play with children
• Establish regular play times. This way it will not be easily overlooked and will become a healthy habit
• Give your child your undivided attention. Turn off the TV and your cell phone and make time to play with your child without distraction. Having your undivided attention makes a child feel special.
• Get down to the child’s level. That may mean getting down on your knees or sitting on the floor. Match your child’s intensity during play—if the child is loud and energetic, be loud and energetic, too.
• Embrace repetition. Children learn through repetition. Be prepared to play the same game over and over. The child will move on when he or she is ready.
• Let children take the lead. Become part of their game rather than trying to dictate the play. Let the children call the shots, make the rules, and determine the pace of play. Ask questions and follow along—you’ll likely get drawn into imaginative new worlds that are fun for you, too.
• Don’t force play or try to prolong a game. The best way to teach a new skill is to show children how something works, then step back and give them a chance to try it. When the child grows tired of an activity, it’s time to move on to something new.
• Make play age-appropriate. If a game is too hard or too easy, it loses its sense of pleasure and fun. Help your child find age-appropriate activities and understand any safety rules for play.
Playing with children is not only excellent for their development, but it will also benefit you - it will tighten the bond between you and boost your energy and vitality – all helping you both to function at your best.
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