Let’s be real. We modern parents want our kids to be smart and talented and sporty so we enroll them in numerous activities. Football in the morning, piano lessons in the afternoon, ballet at night, and a geopolitics crash course before bedtime. No wonder some toddlers look like 40 instead of 4!

Playing is learning

Parents Should Play the Role of a Playmate

Contrary to popular belief, toddlers are perfectly capable of playing on their own. You heard right - they don't need us as playmates. They can have fun on their own.

Instead of acting as playmates, it's better if we take on the role of play leader. Watch your child when they are busy with their toys and assist when asked. But try to take a step or two back. Your child knows best how to use his childish energy, so we should try to give him the opportunity to be independent.

It's still nice for a child to be able to play with his parents sometimes. It doesn't have to be long, but real. We recommend half an hour every day to really engage and play with the child. Means being present for half an hour. No cell phone or other conversation on the side.

Read about it: Meaningful play with your 6-month-old baby

Toddlers Can’t Play and Learn at the Same Time

Who says playing and learning are two different things?! Youngsters do pick up a lot of valuable skills when they play.

Take role-playing, for instance. When you pretend to be a hospital patient because Little Marie fancies being a mini doctor for a day, you help develop her imagination and speech. So even if you think it is ridiculous, just fake that cough and play along!

Read this: How play promotes cognitive development of the brain

Your Young One Needs a Lot of Toys

When it comes to toys, quality matters over quantity. Children are imaginative. They can play with almost anything around them. Slippers. Empty toilet paper tubes. The trash bin is also not safe from them (sighs).

That’s why they should be introduced to educational toys that introduce them to activities such as reading or basic maths. Montessori-style toys are good examples.

You don’t have to fill their playroom to the brim, but make sure you get your kids toys that are worthwhile. Look for educational toys here.

Playtime is Always Fun

We want our kids to be happy and laugh while they play. Sadly, that won’t always be the case. Sometimes, they will get frustrated or feel other strong emotions. Let them play anyway.

When their playtime becomes a drama show, use the chance to teach them lessons such as managing their stress and controlling their emotions. Don’t just help them build a Lego house, help them build their characters as well!

Read: 5 phrases you teach your child to develop a Montessori mindset

Playtime Should Have a Purpose

It’s really tempting to keep your kids’ playtime short so they can do something more “productive”.  Be wary of this pitfall. Whenever you feel like being that parent, say this repeatedly: let kids be kids.

It’s okay for them to play for the sake of playing. This is a normal - and a necessary - part of their childhood. Seeing our kids grow and have fun is enough reason for us to allow them to spend hours playing.

Sources
4 Myths About Independent Play + 4 Mindset Shifts. (2020, April 28). Think or Blue. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://thinkorblue.com/4-myths-about-independent-play/

Common Myths about Playtime for Kids. (2017, May 28). Hide & Seek Kids. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.hideandseekkids.com.au/blog/our-blog/common-myths-about-playtime-for-kids/
Lansbury, J. (2012, November 15). 7 Myths That Discourage Independent Play. Janet Lansbury. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.janetlansbury.com/2012/11/7-myths-that-discourage-independent-play/