Play is often referred to as the work of children 

For newborn babies and toddlers, play is very special! This is when they try out new skills and explore their creativity and imagination.

It is also a powerful bonding time for parents. As a parent, you are your child’s first playmate! From the very beginning, they are engaging with you – following your face as you move it from one side to the other, or listening to your voice as you talk or sing to them. Toys are a valuable tool but nothing compares to the time you spend with your child allowing them the opportunity to imitate you and try new things in a safe and loving environment. 

Why is play important? 

It is an opportunity for babies and toddlers to explore and therefore to learn. A wide range of activities that can be deemed as play, also offer a multitude of opportunities to learn and practice new skills. These skills are the foundation for tasks in later life at school.

Next time you are playing with your baby or toddler, take note of the actions involved in a particular activity

  • Muscle movements when reaching for a toy
  • Learning about its shape and feel – often this is by putting it into the mouth.
  • Imaginative play by using an object for a different purpose – a rattle may double as a phone and so on.
  • Playing in a sandbox, the baby learns about scooping and pouring, new shapes and colours (buckets and spades, nets, etc.), and the difference between empty and full
  • During this playtime, you will be talking to your child and repeating words like sand and bucket and spade and they will begin to imitate you and gradually a vocabulary is developed.
  • Many play activities offer the opportunity to explore the senses (vision, hearing, taste, and touch).

It is all fun and games and they do not realise how hard they are working!

While you are playing, it is important to follow your child’s lead.

Remember to help slowly. It is great to model a new skill but resist the urge to do it for them. Begin with simple things like stacking two blocks and then allowing them to try. Provide just enough help to avoid frustration and encourage them to learn a new skill.

Watch for signals – they may not be able to tell you when they have had enough but there will be indications that will precede an outburst and this will be your cue to change the activity. Young children do better with shorter but more frequent playtime. 

Don’t forget that some of the best play environments are during your everyday routines such as bath time and bedtimes. Stories at bedtime are great for the imagination and building a good vocabulary while creating a reading culture for later life.

The most important thing of all is to have fun and enjoy every moment of the special time with your child!