Parenting can be as easy as child's play

By Peggy J. LeVrier

Our children do not experience the unstructured neighborhood play like the children from past generations. The informal play that has been acknowledged as the foundation for children's growth, development and learning has slowly decreased among parents.

It is important for parents to provide playful experiences with their children daily. Play brings you closer to your children and it helps them to become more independent. The children are more able to work out problems through play and it helps them develop their own concentration and imagination.

Get a friend or relative to watch you playing with your child and jot down a few notes such as who decides what to play, how long the activity lasts, the interest level and how much enjoyment is shown during playtime activities. Discuss what was observed and work out a plan in which to further expand your play skills with your child.

If you can't get a friend or family member to help you devise a plan, you can make one of your own. Be sure to ask yourself questions such as:

* Do I enjoy playing with my child? 
* How often in a average week do I play and for how long? 
* What are the barriers that can get in the way and how can these be gradually removed? 
* What does my child think about playtime?

You should try to plan at least 15-30 minutes per day you can play with your child with the least interruptions and without turning on the television. Ask your child what they enjoy playing. Children learn best and enjoy playtime more when they decide how they want to play and at what pace.

Preparing for play is important. Make sure you are close to your child, have eye contact and show that you are interested. For example, if your child is playing on the floor, be sure that you are playing on the floor with him.

Let your child pick a play activity and as your child is playing, just concentrate on describing what you see in a positive tone of voice. This skill will need a lot of practice as you will inevitably want to direct the play. Avoid asking questions and copying your child's play.

Be sure to encourage your child during playtime. Give plenty of encouragement and lots of hugs, be sincere and genuine in order to encourage them toward creativity and problem-solving skills. Your child needs to encouraged often for them to establish self-confidence to continue to explore their environment. Encouragement also teaches cooperation.

Remember, plenty of play can help broaden your child's horizons.

Peggy LeVrier has served as an early childhood educator for 35 years and is the owner and facilitator of Peggy's Positive Parenting in La Porte. For more parenting information, you can contact her at (281) 748-9176 or pjlevrier@houston.rr.com 

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