HOW SHOULD I PLAY WITH MY CHILD?

Play is a wonderful tool for building a healthy relationship with your child and conveying many important lessons in a natural way.

It is very important for parents to set aside quality time specifically for playing with their children. While playing, make sure you are not distracted by anything else. Your child should know that this time is fully dedicated to them.

You should also make sure the game you choose is appropriate for your child’s developmental stage.

Playing with your child builds their self-confidence and sense of competence. It is a perfect opportunity to form strong emotional bonds with them.

Play also teaches children important social skills such as respecting others' rights, taking turns, and sharing.

While playing, observe your child. Instead of giving commands, follow their lead so you can better understand the message they are trying to express. Allowing your child to direct the game encourages creativity and independence.

Avoid creating power struggles by always trying to win or perform better during play. If you constantly excel in your role, your child may feel inadequate. Let them take control and make their own rules—this will help them feel independent and confident.

Respect your child’s ideas and praise their efforts during play. Don’t correct them by opposing or judging. The important thing is that they are trying—this is vital for developing problem-solving skills.

Asking too many questions during play may make your child feel interrogated and cause them to withdraw. Instead, make comments about the game. This helps them feel more comfortable and supports the development of their vocabulary. For example: “Now you’re serving tea,” or “You’re parking the car.”

Play is a powerful means of communication between parent and child. Making the most of it—by enjoying the moment and contributing positively to your child’s development—will lead you to the right outcome as a parent.