Play at Home

Incorporate Play into Your Child’s Daily Routine

Hi there, parents and educators! As someone deeply passionate about the power of play in child development, I am excited to share some insights and practical tips on incorporating play into your child’s daily routine. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we believe that play is not just a way to pass the time—it’s a vital part of growing up. Let’s dive into the magic of play and how it can transform your child’s development.

Types of Play: A Spectrum of Learning and Fun

Play comes in many forms, each offering unique benefits to your child’s growth. From free play, where children use their imagination without specific goals, to structured play that includes games with rules, every type of play contributes to various aspects of development. Creative play, such as drawing, building, or role-playing, fosters imagination and problem-solving skills. Physical play, like running, jumping, or playing catch, promotes motor skills and physical health. Social play, involving interactions with peers, teaches cooperation, negotiation, and empathy.

Benefits of Play: Beyond Just Fun

The benefits of play are extensive and well-documented. According to current research, play helps children develop cognitive skills, enhance language abilities, foster physical development, nurture independence and improve emotional well-being . It also provides an outlet for children to express their feelings and cope with complex emotions. By engaging in various forms of play, children learn to navigate their world, build resilience, and develop a sense of self-confidence.

Parent-Child Playtime: Building Strong Bonds

One of the most rewarding aspects of play is the opportunity it provides for parents to connect with their children. Engaging in play with your child strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories. It’s a chance to see the world through their eyes, understand their interests, and communicate in a language they instinctively understand. Try setting aside dedicated playtime each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If this is too tricky for your family to manage with a busy schedule. Try aiming for 15 minutes of play with your child a week, this alone can show significant benefits for your child. This time together is invaluable and reinforces your child’s sense of security and love.

Creative Activities: Nurturing Imagination and Innovation

Encouraging creative play can be as simple as providing basic art supplies or a box of dress-up clothes. Allow your child the freedom to explore and create without worrying about the mess or the final product. Activities like drawing, building with blocks, or role-playing with dolls and action figures stimulate imagination and creativity. These activities also promote problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility, essential tools for future learning and development.

Takeaway Tips for Families

  1. Create a Play-Friendly Environment: Ensure your home has safe and accessible spaces for various types of play.

  2. Schedule Regular Playtime: Consistency helps children know what to expect and look forward to.

  3. Join in the Fun: Play with your child to strengthen your bond and understand their world.

  4. Encourage Creativity: Provide materials and opportunities for creative and messy activities, even if this is a designated outdoor space.

  5. Balance Screen Time: While some educational apps are beneficial, ensure your child engages in plenty of physical and imaginative play.

At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we’re here to support you and your family on this playful journey. If you have any questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, play is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for your child’s development. Embrace it, enjoy it, and watch your child thrive.

Sunshine Coast Play Therapist plays with a child in early childhood providing Paediatric Allied Health Therapy.  Child counselling via play-based interventions provides Children’s & Kids Therapy, Queensland.

Inspiring Play: Child & Family Play Therapy, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

References:

  1. Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191.

  2. Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics, 142(3), e2018205

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Strengthening Family Bonds

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Nurturing Children’s Social Development