A parent's to-do list is too long, and playing with their child may not always be at the top of the list. However, play is essential for your child's growth, and spending a few minutes at your child's level having fun can also help you decompress after a stressful day. It’s a win-win situation. To learn the greatest activities to enjoy with your child at every age, we consulted parents and professionals.
HOW TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR INFANT
Because someone is taking their lead and interacting with them and their environment, the time you spend playing with your infant is the beginning of them building a sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
The good news is that you don't need to spend a lot of money on expensive toys for your kid because you are already their favorite toy. Really, all you have to do to "play" is reply to them. Talk back to babies when they babble. Give expression to what they say or to what you assume they are thinking. Additionally, you can name their feelings, which promotes early language learning.
Give your infant effusive praise for their efforts when you are interacting with them by grinning broadly or clapping. This will motivate children to sustain their attention, which supports the development and maintenance of healthy dopamine levels in their brain, preparing them to be resilient and eager to learn as they mature.
Take note of your baby's hints. When they want to play and when they've had enough, they'll signal to you. An infant will usually glance at you for a brief moment after being fed or awakened from a nap when they are ready to interact with you. They'll also show you when they're done with an activity by starting to grow irritated or look away.
HOW TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR TODDLER
Kids at this age are starting to become more autonomous and form their own hobbies, yet they still need you around. This is due to the fact that being independent can be frustrating, making it crucial to have a calm parent who can assist your child in identifying and managing their emotions. They also enjoy bragging about their new abilities to respected adults.
Large chunky puzzle pieces aid in the improvement of both motor skills and problem-solving ability. Once they can walk, engage them in activities like kicking a ball back and forth, which not only helps them learn new physical skills but also has other advantages. They are studying cooperation, early rules, and negotiation. A fantastic method to strengthen relationships with children and practice social skills like consent is to engage in light roughhousing (such as flying them about like Superman). Alternatively, you might play some music and have a dance party in the living room.
HOW TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR PRESCHOOLER
Children of this age like dressing up in costumes, making up characters, or playing teachers or astronauts. This kind of play actually demands a partner, and your child will enjoy watching you adopt a different identity. (Tip: Always opt to be the patient when playing doctor; you get to lie down!) Blocks can also be used to construct joint constructions for dolls, stuffed animals, or automobiles.
Preschoolers long to be appreciated as a member of the family. Ask them to assist you with home duties like matching washcloths and socks. Making it into a game is a terrific way to teach children how to help and to have fun. One idea is to have a race to see who can fold their pile the fastest.
HOW TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR SCHOOL-AGED KIDS
Kids are more captivated by games with rules as they get older because they have to learn them in a setting like school. Get the cards or the board games out, or play a tactile game of tag.
Kids spend the majority of the day in organized environments due to school or extracurricular activities. Playing with them with open-ended toys like Lego, dolls, etc. where you may create fantastic worlds together, allows them to freely express their creativity.
Try skating, tobogganing, tennis, basketball, or any other sport you choose. You shouldn't feel the need to be kind with them because children of this age actually enjoy competition, and engaging in sensory-rich activities allows them to focus their energy before feeling calm. As children get older, you might start to share your interests with them, such as knitting, baking, or fixing cars. While it's important to follow your child's lead when it comes to their interests when they're young, as they get older, encouraging them to try things that aren't necessarily their interests but are nonetheless significant to someone they care about helps them develop positive interpersonal skills like generosity, consideration and satisfied.
