Growth Spurts

Play is a bonding experience for you and your child.

sock. You might say: “Thank you for playing the matching game. You are a helper. The Bible teaches us to help one another.”

While your young child plays with his toy boat in the bathtub, you might say: “Linny’s boat is floating on top of the water. Now Linny’s boat is going under the water. Listen, the boat is making a motor sound.” Smile and acknowledge his motorboat sound.

© SW Productions

Let’s Play!

Games Meet Needs

Playing games meets needs in each developmental area.

• Emotional development. The excitement of chasing and catching adds flavor and spice to the daily routines of your child. Finding a simple hiding place and waiting to be found by Mom or Dad reinforces a powerful sense of security.

meet Developmental neeDs By

playing togetHer.

By dixie ruth Crase, Ph.d.

REGARDLESS Of HOw your 1- or 2-year-old asks, playing is one of his favorite things to do. But playing is more than just fun. It is a learning experience for your child.

teaching your child. During play, your primary focus is having a happy time together. Playing games with your young child is a positive way to instill the value of a balanced approach to life.

Why Play Games? Does playing games contribute to your child’s healthy development? Yes. When you and your child laugh and play together, you are strengthening significant ties that contribute to a firm foundation for life. As you play games, your child senses that you are choosing to spend time with him. Your primary focus is not feeding, cleaning, dressing, or

Finding the Time

As a conscientious parent with many responsibilities, should you add playing games to your to-do list? Watch for opportunities in your daily interaction with your child when you can play a game.

As you take the clean clothes from the dryer, invite your child to find a sock to match Daddy’s big white sock or a sibling’s small blue

AGe-APProPriATe GAMeS

What kinds of games are appropriate for your 1- or 2-year-old?

• Games with two or three players are more likely to keep your child involved and active. Although your young child is learning to take turns, games should be designed for your child’s participation. She should not be a spectator.

• Games with a few simple directions that easily are understood will contribute to a more satisfying experience. Too many directions or steps to follow will produce confusion and frustration.

• Games which require a relatively short time span are more likely to be enjoyable. Alternate a physically active game with a quiet, relaxing game.

• Games with few required materials are more likely to be enjoyed in a variety of situations. Simple guessing games can be played in the waiting room, in the car, or before dinner is ready.

10 PARENTLIFE MARCH 2008