Be Present when Playing
Be Present when Playing.
When I was asked to do a blog post, it felt really daunting. I wondered just what I would write about. A few thoughts crossed my mind but then I was at a park with a friend and her young daughter; we were all playing on the seesaw and the swings when 2 adults arrived with 2 children. The children went off to play and the adults both sat down on a seat and promptly got their phones out and didn't interact with the children or each other the whole time they were there. This saddened me and I knew what I was going to write about.
Being 'present' isn't just about being there physically; it means to join in the fun, give them your attention. It’s the stuff memories are made from!
Playing with other children is fun, but playing with parents is special.
Here's some playtime activities you can do:
Colouring in - conversation happens during colouring in such as, 'I'm going to colour my dog blue', 'what colour are you going to do your sky?', 'can I use the pink when you're finished please?' This activity encourages sharing, turn taking, speech and fine motor skills.
Constructions - build a tower, a house, anything. Talk about the shapes and colour of the bricks and buildings, build in a pattern. Problem solve - how are we going to attach this piece, why is it falling over?
Throwing and catching - exercise for your whole body, get some vitamin D. Get the whole family involved, even the dog can join in this game! This can be played at home, at the park or at the beach.
Dress ups - You don't have to have fancy costumes, just some scarves, hats and other clothes you can buy from an Op shop. Pretend play encourages speech - 'do you want a cup of tea?', ' oh yes please and some cake too'. Children can practise real life experiences to expand vocabulary and enhance their social skills.
Puzzles - Gives a great feeling of accomplishment - 'I did it!' Work on a more challenging one together. Talk about what you see on each piece, try to find it on the big picture, sort the edges from the middle pieces. A great teamwork activity.
Read stories - this helps children in so many ways - expanding their vocabulary, listening skills, imagination. If they can't read yet, look at the pictures and let them tell the story from what they see. It doesn't matter if it's not what the book is really about.
Playing with children is important. Playing together builds strong relationships, by adding joy, vitality, and resilience.
Go ahead and let your inner child run free! Put your phone away, be present when playing - swing on the swings, go on the seesaw, laugh and have fun!