Tips for positive play time
Do you find yourself thinking things like,
“I don’t know what to do or how to play.”
or
“Play Time always ends in arguments.”?
In this post I am sharing some evidence-based tips for positive play time:
Only your child decides what and how you will play. If it’s not doing anything do nothing together.
Relax and let things happen naturally. Play Time does not need to be focused, or productive.
First, watch what your child does! Give all of your attention to your child and be curious about their play. Narrate their play. If your child would like for you to join in, do join in.
Let the play be directed by your child. If your child decides on specific rules and then suddenly changes them, let them.
Do show appreciation of what your child does (e.g. “That is a very stable tower you have built! It looks good!”).
Pay attention to the small things, even things you would take for granted.
Share your positive feelings on your play time together. (e.g. “I am happy that we are having such a nice time together.” or “I like doing puzzles with you.”).
Show appreciation and caring by smiling, nodding, touching, hugging.
Refrain from giving commands, criticising or suggesting improvements.
Try to be in a relaxed space of mind and schedule enough time with a buffer for play time (eg. Tell your child you will play for half an hour but do not plan on anything else for another 15 minutes afterwards. Sometimes sticking to the end of play time can be tough for children and even for ourselves.).
If there is slightly undesirable behaviour, try to let it pass.
If there is aggressive or destructive behaviour try to ignore it and turn away from your child. If your child does not stop, explain calmly that Play Time is over.
Do schedule Play Time beforehand and try to find out if your child wants to do something specific so you can gather materials.
Do talk your child through the rules of Play Time beforehand. That will save you heated or lengthy discussions if play time needs to be stopped.
But the most important tip is this one:
Let go and have tons of fun!!! ;-)
