Lizzie, a registered child minder has requested this post.
Children don’t automatically know how to play, they have to be shown what is expected of them.
I played with my own children from the baby stage; helping them to enjoy a rattle and a baby gym.
When they reached the sitting independently stage of development I sat on the floor beside them and built towers from building blocks which we knocked down together and pushed along their toy vehicles for them to retrieve.
When I was working as a registered child minder I had one child who had no idea how to play with toys.
I took her along to a toddler group session where she just stood watching the other children playing.
She was around a year in age. I started by giving her a spinning top style of toy, she looked at it, then looked up at me, so I sat on the floor with her and showed her how to press the top to make it spin; she laughed so I then took her hand and helped her to press it down: I gradually introduced her to more and more toys spending time showing her how to get the best out of each one. Before long she began to play with toys on her own looking at me for confirmation that she was doing things correctly.
Several weeks later a parent at the group asked me “Is that the same little girl who didn’t know how to play?” when I confirmed that it was she told me that I had done wonders for her after that I received several enquiries about child minding places for the children of parents visiting the group
Marketing your child minding business here.
Sometimes parent just don’t have the time or energy to play with their children after a long day at work; this is where a child minder’s or other early years practitioner’s input can really benefit a child.
I met ‘my’ child who didn’t know how to play many years later when she was a teenager, her mum introduced me as the lady who taught you how to play.
At times it is good practice to let children instigate how they are going to play Child led play here.
Hopefully this is what you were looking for Lizzie? If you want any more information on this, or any other topic let me know.
As always questions and comments are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
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It’s hard to imagine a child who doesn’t know how to play, but I guess it does happen. I’ve done the same as you, but I have to admit I do find it a bit boring at times! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time”
It is fairly rare, I only had one child in 14 years who didn’t know how to play, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Helen
Awww, what a blessing for this kiddo to have you in her life. And what a great title to be introduced by, “The lady who taught you how to play”—love this!
Aw, thanks Jed and Jen, I think that I was the privileged one
What a great way to be introduced. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Thanks, Stephani for having me a part of your linky
I always imagined that kids would instantly know how to play but you are so right that they need to be shown! Thanks for linking up with #parentpower
Most people do assume that, thanks for stopping by, Laura
Play is such a crucial part of any Childs development and I applaud you in your great tips and in reminding parents on how to play encourage play with their little ones. Sending love xx #KCACOLS
Thanks for your kind words, Diana
We’ve just bought #3 a little kitchen for Christmas – she loves role play & I know she’s going to absolutely love it! #KCACOLS
That’s great, thanks for sharing
Play is so important for both the child and parents. It’s sad that there are parents who can’t or won’t. Have to say my childminder is amazing for parenting help though. I have always appreciated her input.
That’s good to hear, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Karen
My son is autistic and plays very differently to other children, however, he still plays
He did take a lot longer to develop his play. #parentpower
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience