Studies have found that play is important for your child’s learning and development. Children move through different forms of play as they grow up. Kids start playing with their parents, playing alone and playing with their friends and throughout this process they learn different life skills that help them.

 

For newborns and babies; toys that have musical function will help them to develop hearing and movement. Toys with different textures such as feathers, clothe, metal, wooden will help babies to develop the sense of touch. Toys with different sizes and shapes will encourage your child to reach and grasp. Pull-along and push along toys can get your child to crawl, stand and walk.

 

For preschooler’s simple jigsaw puzzles will help improve memory and concentration. Dough or clay will help your child develop fine motor skills. Outdoor play items such as balls used for kicking, throwing or rolling help your children to be active and also enjoy.

 

Story telling and role play toys are a must for school-aged children. At this age playing with role play items such as building blocks, doll houses, kitchen sets play a key role in developing numeracy and literacy skills. Role play items will also help in developing everyday skills and imagination as well as creativity of school-aged children.

 

While these play ideas help in various development areas of children it is also important to concentrate on below points when encouraging your kids to play.

• Give them ample and unscheduled time so that they are more free to be creative and enjoy what they do.
• Play an active role in their play schedule and spend more time with them when they are playing.
• Encourage your children to engage in active play rather than passive play such as video games or watching television.
• Do not over tire your kids with any play activity.

 

Finding the right play patterns that your kids enjoy will allow your children to grow happier and better adjusted to face the world.