Developmental psychologists Marilyn Segal and Don Adcock, authors of "Your Child at Play: One to Two Years," remind parents that playing games gives parents and children moments of intimacy and "nourishes feelings of attachment." This is true for children of all ages. Use both spontaneous playfulness with your children as well as more formal game-playing to teach your child about the pleasures, the fun and the creativity of play. Actually playing with your children, no matter what their ages, is the best way to teach them.
Young Children
Step 1
Play physical games with babies and toddlers such as "Peek-a-boo," hide-and-seek behind chairs and couches, wrestling and tag. Give your child a big hug when you catch her.
Step 2
Slide with your toddler down a slide at the playground and hold your child on the merry-go-round. According to Segal and Adcock, children appreciate parents helping them try out new equipment.
Step 3
Sing and dance with your child. Create your own songs or teach old favorites such as "London Bridges" and "Pease Porridge Hot."
Step 4
Roll and toss a ball back and forth with your child.
Step 5
Stack blocks or household items into towers.
Step 6
Drive small cars and trucks over the floor, over bodies and over roads made from cardboard.
Step 7
Fill a box with fanciful clothes you've bought from the thrift store and play dress-up with your child.
Step 8
Pretend to feed and care for a stuffed animal or doll. According to Segal and Adcock, a child will learn empathy when a parent talks about the importance of caring for a hurt or sick doll and will learn about making friends when sharing or talking to the doll.
Older Children
Step 1
Check out a library book about card games and set aside time on weekends to play cards with your children.
Step 2
Write down family playtime on your weekly calendar and stick to the plan. During these times, play board games and charades, take bike rides, play catch and try a new sport such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or jogging.
Step 3
Talk about fantasy scenarios with your child while driving in the car. Play "What if you were queen" or "What if your team won the World Series."
Step 4
Buy toys you and your child can play together. The National Network for Child Care includes scores of ideas for children ages 6 through 12, such as science kits, building kits, art materials, kites, balls, skates, bikes, rackets, puzzles and board games.
Tips and Warnings
- Encourage your child to balance academic subjects in school with playful extracurricular activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents help their children find activities that they truly enjoy and not just activities to list on college applications. AAP recommends that parents with young children find child care programs that offer opportunities for all a child's needs in addition to academic preparedness.
Things You'll Need
- Balls
- Blocks
- Toy cars
- Dress-up clothes
- Dolls
- Stuffed animals
- Cards
- Board games
- Sports equipment
References
- "Your Child at Play: One to Two Years"; Marilyn Segal and Don Adcock; 1985
- National Network for Child Care: The Importance of Play
- American Academy of Pediatrics: New AAP Report Stresses Play for Healthy Development
