Preschool Playgroup: Play Simplified
I’ve worked with many families over the past 20 years who have found it difficult to play with their children.
I get it.
Life as an adult is full of obligations, responsibilities, pressures, expectations, disappointments, schedules, etc. . . . Add to that, some of us adults never REALLY played when we were kids either:
You may have had responsibilities early in life.
You may have had traumatic experiences that snatched childhood away from you.
You may have been taught that playtime is not important.
You may have been taught that play is not a thing “we” do.
But . . . you WANT to learn how to play with your child because you KNOW that playing with your child builds bonds.
An article by the international organization UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) reminds us that : “Parenting can be difficult at times and there is no such thing as a perfect parent. But if you can provide a loving and nurturing environment for your child to grow up in and you’re a steady and reliable presence in their life, then you’ll be helping them to have a great start in life.”
I love the words “steady” and “reliable”. Not “perfectly executed”, “endlessly engaged”, or “flawlessly disciplined”. Just regular intervals of time with you.
You don’t need special toys or materials to play/connect/engage with your child. Here’s an even crazier thought: YOU can be a toy. In fact, for many children, their parents are the best toy.
You bring joy through your laughter, smiles, and tickles.
You build curiosity when you sing a new song, say a new word, or draw a new picture.
You stimulate their senses by giving big hugs, whispering in their ears, moving your fingers for itsy and bitsy spider.
You increase their engagement by responding to their gestures, staying close when you talk, and beaming at them when they communicate.
What ideas do you have about playing with your child?
If you want your child to play with other children, to expand your knowledge about communication in young children, to connect with other parents of young children, or to learn more about community resources . . . .join the Parent and Preschooler Playgroup in Beltsville, Md.
