Playing is fun for a toddler, but it’s also essential! Children need to play to make discoveries, to understand the world around them, and to develop well. Thanks to the game, he develops several skills.
Positive effects on development
From an early age, it is while playing that a very small child begins to learn in pleasure. The game has positive effects on its development. For example, on :
It’s the motor and sensory development
When a baby plays with objects, looks at them and puts them in his mouth, he discovers colors, textures, shapes, sounds, and tastes. As he grew up, his games also allowed him to run, jump, tumble, and throw a ball. This strengthens his muscles, physical skills, and balance.
When your child plays, all his senses are awake, and his brain works hard to record knowledge.
His intellectual development
The game also develops thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, when a baby has fun making sounds with objects or dropping cubes over and, over again, he or she gradually realizes that his or her gesture is working. The game also promotes creativity and imagination. This is the case, for example, when a child invents stories with his action figures.
Its social development
Playing allows the child to learn to live with others. When he plays with other children, a toddler learns to share, to wait his turn, to make compromises, and to settle small disputes.
The development of his language
When children play, they learn to say new words, express their ideas and make themselves understood.
How to encourage play in your child?
Playing is a natural activity for a child; he plays spontaneously. However, there may be times when a teeny-weeny may not have enough time to have a good time because the family’s highly organized schedule often leaves little room for play. Here are some ideas to help your child play daily.
Give your child the opportunity to play as often as possible and give them time to do so without interrupting.
Put at his disposal various toys and accessories with which he can have fun (e.g., mats, cubes, blocks, toutous, balloons, modelling paste, small characters, plastic dishes, cardboard boxes, cushions, small cars, disguises, etc.).
Offer your child different activities in different places to give them the chance to play in different ways (e.g., playing in the sand, playing in the snow, playing with other children, doing crafts, making music, dancing, dressing up, etc.).
Go outside often with your child. When he plays outside, children move more, take small risks, take on challenges, and gain confidence.
Let your child play freely alone or with other children. When he decides what he wants to play and how he wants to play, he develops his creativity and ability to solve problems.
Avoid imposing your rules when you play with your child. When you let him run the game, your toddler develops his autonomy and confidence.