Just like you have a job, kids’ job is to play and their learning and exploration is done by playing. They learn new skills, explore their imagination and creativity and also establish relationships. You should be willing to optimize this time. Here are some things you can try to have a healthy playtime.
Let the child lead you.
Hand a toy or an object to your baby or toddler and then just look for his actions, how he proceeds. It won’t be the “right way” but let him show you a “new way”.
Stay Steady.
Teaching your kid the working of toy is really good but you have to control the urges to do it for him every time. To start off, just put one bloc on another and encourage your child to try it out. Only provide enough help that he does not get frustrated and you will be teaching him a new skill.
Understand the signals of your child.
The little kid may not be able to explicitly tell you by words what he wants or whether he’s frustrated or not. There are other ways in which he communicates –like sounds, facial expressions, and gestures. If you understand the signals before the tantrums begin, then you can jump in the right moment and change the activity.
Examine the place.
Is the area safe for children and friendly? Is it too noisy or too distracting? Is the place good to explore? Is the place accurate for the chosen activity like running, throwing balls, or painting? Knowing about the place beforehand can prevent any mishap.
Loop the same activity.
Repetition of tasks might be boring to you but your child loves it. They practice the same stuff in order to master a challenge. When they are able to complete things all by themselves, they actually develop a sense of their competency –a confidence of being smart. The more they practice, the more they master it and the more they become apt to taking new challenges. Thus, try to understand that your laziness might hinder your child’s ability to think something different.
Alter activities to personalize it for your child.
You may be a parent, relative, or caregiver of a child with special needs. A physical, mental or social disability can pose a challenge to the play time. Still, major learning is through playing and any play activity can be adapted to meet special child’s needs.
Here is how you can do it.
- How’s the environment? What’s the impact of loud noises or light on the child? Is there a television? Are too many kids around? If these things affect the child, then move to a quieter place.
- What’s your child’s reaction to new things? Some babies and toddlers get bored easily. Try giving one object in the start and adding things later. Note down the reactions.
- Impact of smells, textures and tastes. There could be one particular object dear to your little one while other might find it funny. Read those signals and modify things.
- Involve others. Child with special needs should establish relationships with others so they don’t feel different. Arrange play-dates for your child.
