Let’s Play!
Close your eyes and imagine- You are swinging on a swing, and you ask your mother to push you so you can go higher. As you go up, you feel the adrenaline in your stomach, going higher and higher, you feel the warm summer breeze on your skin and you hear the birds chirping. After the swing, you get down, and your sibling says, “Tag! You’re it!” Now you run and chase your sibling around the playground. That felt great, didn't it? For a fleeting moment, you were a child again.
Children spend the majority of their day engaged in the world of play because this is their arena where they come to learn and imagine a lot about themselves and their environment. So, what is play? Play is any activity that one enjoys doing and is crucial to healthy development (Short et al., 2020). There is a substantial amount of research committed to understanding the role of play to facilitate a child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development (Ginsburg, 2007; Vygotsky, 1978; Weisberg et al., 2013).
As parents, you are your child’s favorite playmate. Research has shown that playtime with parents is so important. Children who play with their parents build a bond that will last a lifetime because of the memories being made. Play is so much more than just dressing up dolls, catching a ball or racing cars, play is flexible because it can be different things to different people. It is also the best way for children to learn new skills such as identifying colors, shapes and numbers, making decisions, taking turns, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Here are some ideas for playing with your child:
Dramatic play - The world is yours and you can be whoever or whatever you want to be. Think of different roles to play! Your child can use a teddy bear as a baby as they are on their way to see you- the doctor. Or maybe even play “restaurant”-- a creative way for your child to identify food items and bring you a cup of water.
Constructive play - From the root word itself- construct. Build! Explore! Design! Stack! Manipulate objects such as boxes or blocks to build skyscrapers or even a barn.
Physical play - Get up, jump and stretch! Play tag, hopscotch, jump rope, or slide down the stairs which are some great ways to strengthen you and your little one’s muscles.
Competitive play - ready… set… go!!! A little competition is a great way to teach your child the concept of winning, losing and managing their own emotions.
Try to make each opportunity a learning opportunity through play, and remember to have fun!
References:
Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1542/ peds.2006-2697
Short EJ, Schindler RC, Obeid R, Noeder MM, Hlavaty LE, Gross SI, Lewis B, Russ S, Manos MM. Examining the Role of Language in Play Among Children With and Without Developmental Disabilities. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch. 2020 Jul 15;51(3):795-806. doi: 10.1044/2020_LSHSS-19-00084. Epub 2020 May 13. PMID: 32402229.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Weisberg, D. S., Zosh, J. M., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R.M. (2013). Talking it up: Play, language development, and the role of adult support. American Journal of Play, 6(1), 39–54.
About the Author:
Mary graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2018. Since then, she has gained experience in providing ABA therapy in schools, clinics, communities, and home settings. She is excited to be able to expand her knowledge and continue her growing passion for working with individuals with autism and supporting their families. Mary enjoys working out, watching basketball, traveling, and spending time with her puppy- Bearcubs.