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Play is more than just fun for babies and children. It\u2019s how they learn best, and how they work out who they are, how the world works and where they fit into it.<\/p>\n Play is more than just fun for babies and children. It\u2019s how they learn best, and how they work out who they are, how the world works and where they fit into it.<\/p>\n
The importance of play<\/strong><\/p>\n Playing is one of the most important things you can do with your child, because play is essential for your child\u2019s brain development. The time you spend playing together gives your child lots of different ways and times to learn.<\/p>\n Play also helps your child:<\/p>\n Your child will love playing with you, but sometimes she might prefer to play by herself and won\u2019t need so much hands-on play from you. She might just want you to give her ideas and let her know how her play and games are going.<\/p>\n Different types of play<\/strong><\/p>\n Unstructured, free play is the best type of play for young children.<\/strong><\/p>\n This is play that just happens, depending on what takes your child\u2019s interest at the time. Free play isn\u2019t planned and lets your child use his imagination and move at his own pace.<\/p>\n Examples of unstructured play might be:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Structured play is different.<\/strong> It\u2019s more organised and happens at a fixed time or in a set space, and is often led by a grown-up.<\/p>\n Examples of structured play include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How play develops with your child<\/strong><\/p>\n As your child grows, the way she plays will change \u2013 she\u2019ll get more creative and experiment more with toys, games and ideas. This might mean she needs more space and time to play.<\/p>\n Also, children move through different forms of play as they grow. This includes playing alone, playing alongside other children and interactive play with other children.<\/p>\n Newborns and babies<\/strong> You might like to try the following play ideas and activities with your little one:<\/p>\n – Music, songs, gentle tapping on your baby\u2019s tummy while you sing, bells or containers filled with different objects: these activities can help develop hearing and movement. Toddlers<\/strong> – Big and light things like cardboard boxes, buckets or blow-up balls can encourage your child to run, build, push or drag. Preschoolers<\/strong> – Old milk containers, wooden spoons, empty pot plant containers, sticks, scrunched-up paper, plastic buckets, saucepans and old clothes are great for imaginative, unstructured play. – Furniture, linen, washing baskets, tents and boxes are great for building. You don\u2019t have to spend lots of money on toys, games and books for children. Homemade toys and free activities are often the most creative ways for you and your child to have fun together. There might be times when your child doesn\u2019t want to play \u2013 for example, he could be tired or bored by doing the same activity for too long. This is normal and usually nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n But sometimes a lack of play \u2013 or a lack of interest in play \u2013 can be a sign of a developmental disorder.<\/p>\n Consider speaking with a health professional or your child\u2019s educator if:<\/em><\/p>\n From: Raising Children Network<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Play is more than just fun for babies and children. It\u2019s how they learn best, and how they work out who they are, how the world works and where they fit into it. The importance of play Playing is one of the most important things you can do with your\u2026<\/p>\n\n
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\nimaginative games \u2013 for example, making cubby houses with boxes or blankets, dressing up or playing make-believe<\/li>\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ferniekids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/baby-playing-by-self.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1\")
For babies, the best toy is you. Just looking at your face and hearing your voice is play for your new baby, especially if you\u2019re smiling.<\/p>\n
\n– Objects of different sizes, colours and shapes can encourage your child to reach and grasp.
\n– Sturdy furniture, balls, toys or boxes can get your child crawling, standing and walking.
\n– Regular tummy time and floor play are very important for your baby\u2019s development. Tummy time helps your baby develop movement control by strengthening head, neck and body muscles. It also allows your baby to see and experience the world from a different perspective.<\/p>\n
\nHere are some ideas your toddler might enjoy:<\/p>\n
\n– Chalk, rope, music or containers can encourage jumping, kicking, stomping, stepping and running.
\n– Hoops, boxes, large rocks or pillows are good for climbing on, balancing, twisting, swaying or rolling.
\n– Hills, tunnels or nooks can encourage physical activities like crawling and exploring.
\n– If you put on some favourite music while your toddler plays, he can also experiment with different sounds and rhythms. You might also like to sing, dance and clap along to music with your child.<\/p>\n
\nHere are some ideas to get your preschooler\u2019s mind and body going:<\/p>\n
\n– Simple jigsaw puzzles and matching games like animal dominoes help improve your child\u2019s memory and concentration.
\n– Playdough and clay help your child develop fine motor skills.
\n– Favourite music or pots and pans are great for a dance concert or to make up music.
\n– Balls and frisbees can encourage kicking, throwing or rolling.
\n– When encouraging your child to kick or throw, try to get her to use one side of her body, then the other.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ferniekids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/kids-kicking-ball.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1\")
School-age children<\/strong>
\nYour school-age child can have fun with the following objects and activities:<\/p>\n
\n– Home-made obstacle courses can get your child moving in different ways, directions and speeds.
\n– Rhymes or games like \u2018I spy with my little eye, something that begins with \u2026\u2019 are great for word play and help develop literacy skills.
\n– Simple cooking or food preparation like measuring, stirring and serving food is great for developing numeracy and everyday skills.
\n– Your child\u2019s own imagination: with imagination, your child can turn himself into a favourite superhero or story character.
\n– If your child is interested, you could think about getting her into some sports or team activities for school-age children. Other possibilities include after-school or holiday art and craft activities.<\/p>\n
\nIf your child doesn\u2019t want to play<\/p>\n\n