Having fun and Play

Hi Moms,

Play-Time is so important to build self esteem. When you pretend along with your kid, you’re showing him that you accept his make-believe world, that something he’s interested in is fun and important to you too.

The benefit of Play:

• Builds the imagination
• Build social skills
• Advances physical development
• Helps kids work through emotions

Here are some guidelines to follow during play-time from the First 5 Facebook page:

To learn more, “Hand in Hand” and Babycenter.com both has good articles about this subject.

Some great play activities you can find here: http://www.growingplay.com/free.htmlSome

The suggested activities this time are all about having fun and play:

Let’s dance!

Play favorite songs that could inspire your child to do specific actions—something with a loud, strong beat so he can stamp like an elephant, or something quiet so he can pretend he’s tiptoeing past a sleeping lion. Marching to music is also great fun and easy enough for most toddlers to manage. These games stretch his imagination and develop his sense of rhythm.

http://www.babycenter.com/210_lets-dance_1887.bc

Catch me if you can

Toddlers love to be chased. The object of this game is for your child to be caught, especially if she knows she gets a big bear hug and tickles every time you manage to catch her. For variety, pretend to be different types of animals, like a roaring lion or a scuttling mouse. A great game for building up your toddler’s stamina – and yours!

http://www.babycenter.com/0_lets-play-catch-me-if-you-can_10309534.bc

Build your own bowling

Make your own bowling from recycled bottles and have lots of fun. Use those tutorial for inspiration:

http://earlylearning.momtrusted.com/2012/12/coffee-creamer-christmas-bowling-game/

What’s inside?

A preschooler’s brain thrives on imagination – and that’s what makes this activity so much fun. By hiding an object in a bag or sock, kids need to think creatively when figuring out what’s inside!

http://www.first5california.com/parents/activity-center/preschoolers

Have a great week,

Aliza.

---