When you’re with your child it is really helpful to get down on the floor and join them in their play.
You want to be careful to join in and not take over so sit for a while and watch what they’re doing and how they are playing and then
Join In With Your Child’s Play.
It’s interesting that children will usually play in a way that helps them learn what they need to know next.
So, if you have a toy like this jigsaw puzzle, early on a child might just pick up the pieces, put them in their mouth or bang them.
A little later on, they might take the pieces out and try to put them back in and then eventually they might try and match the colours of the cogs and look more closely at how the pieces all fit together to turn.
All of these different ways of playing match the child’s developmental level and are helping them to learn more about the world and how it works.
Sometimes when we see a toy, it’s tempting to play with it in the way we know, but it’s more helpful to take a minute to watch what your child is doing with the toy and then join them in their play and PLAY THEIR WAY.
Play with whatever they’re interested in for as long as they’re interested. If their attention shifts to something else then shift with them, and talk about what ever has captured their interest.
The next time you play with your child, have a go at joining in and playing. Take the time to watch how they want to play with the toys and PLAY THEIR WAY.
And remember that some of the best play happens with the everyday things that you have around the house like pots & pans, kitchen containers, or even a plain old cardboard box!
Kath McLaughlin 