Parent and Child as Partners in Play
9:49 PM
The idea of parent and child as partners in play may be unthinkable to many. Play is for children, right? Not so, says child psychologists who believe that parents have a big role to play (pun intended) in the seemingly exclusive part of a child's world called play.
What Child Psychologists Say
Child psychologists believe that parents can help their children develop learning through play. Dr. Sarah Patrick for one, advises parents to allow their children to take the lead for them to be able to discover their environment and how people interact with each other. She adds that the simplest way to really help children is to be completely attuned to what they are doing by watching what they are doing and asking open-ended questions that will encourage them to think.
How Can Parent and Child Be Partners in Play?
What is being suggested can be easier said than done because it requires time, effort, and dedication. Some may say allowing children to play by themselves provides parents to do other things that require their attention without the guilt. After all, children are enjoying themselves while playing. However, deciding to be an active partner in play with one's child is an opportunity that every parent should seize and put to good use.
So how can we do it?
1. By Being Present
Being a partner in child's play requires physical presence and giving time. Every child plays at his or her own phase and directing the child to play according to the parent's point of view defeats the purpose of achieving learning through play. It cannot be rushed if it is to be beneficial to your child.
2. By Playing
Parents have to be with the child - watching, listening, interacting, and playing as well. Just being there for the sake of it may make the child feel that he is still alone playing. Making playtime a "we" time is the way to go.
3. By Enjoying
Parents must allow themselves to enjoy the moment instead of treating it as another chore or obligation to accomplish. Be like a child and see the world in the eyes of your child. Try to remember how it was when you were still young and everything was a wonder to discover.
The Expected Return
For one, they can expect a child who learns faster.
For another, they can also expect to see the love and appreciation in their eyes for a parent who has taken the time.
My Say
That look in itself is priceless. That said, I see no need for more words.
The video below should say it all.
28 comments
This is so true, "Be like a child and see the world in the eyes of your child." Playing with your child is the cheapest and easiest way to bond with him or her. You will learn more about your child when you play with him or her.
ReplyDeleteI'veen a great difference between letting a child play and playing with a child. The development is really faster when you play with your child. It will just really reauire extra effort on the parents, but the fruit is very rewarding.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that we ask them questions to give them room to think what they can bring to the plate. I love watching my kids play. They're so imaginative. Even if the house ends up a mess haha
ReplyDeleteI love this! Parent and child interaction is so important. Especially nowadays when smartphones, gadgets and technology as a whole have taken a big part of our lives already. I tend to feel guilty when my son's quietly playing all by himself while i'm busy with other chores. So I really make sure that after I'm done with what I am doing, I approach him and play with him. His reaction is so priceless! It just proves that the parents attention are a big deal for them.
ReplyDeletePlaying with the child doesn't just benefit the child. It also takes the parents away from all the stress and worries. It's great to be a child at times: just play, have fun and enjoy the moment. I play and do silly things with my son. And I hope to continue to do that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this inspiring post! Honestly, it's probably not just the child who benefits from playing with parents. I personally feel a lot better and stress-free when playing with my kid!
ReplyDeleteI am guolty of not playing with my kids juat so I can do whatever I have tl.do. I guess it's high time that I aoly with them kahit ilang minutes lang para mafeel nila ang presence ko.
ReplyDeleteFinding time to play with kids is really a struggle but parents need to set their priorities. If we can't always be there, make sure that if time permits we spend a quality time with them. Quality is still better than quantity. Toys that promote sharing and working together are nice gifts this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think that the biggest reward for parents is to witness that look you're describing. Priceless, indeed. I've been reading a lot about play so I let my kids play a lot, I have to admit, though, that I don't get to play with my kids as often as I used to because I work now
ReplyDeleteThat's why I'm super excited for my baby to finally graduate from just rolling around to sitting up and picking up things! Can't wait to diy toys and play with her. It's a better learning experience for them when they have 'kalaro'
ReplyDeleteFor me, play time equates to bonding time with my son. I find it more fun than just watching him play. And besides, playing with my son lets me bring out the kid in me as well. :D
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I make it a point to play with my kids everyday. My 11 yo doesnt play with toys that much though so I spend time with him talking about books that he read or characters from a movie we both watched. :)
ReplyDeleteplaying with our kids creates good relationship with them. I wish by body can be as young to accommodate rough play with my little boy.
ReplyDeleteI agree all of the above mentioned. I feel so comfortable when my toddler is playing with me or with his papa. Because I really want to feel him that he is special and also for his safety. Sometimes kasi di maiiwasan ang mga aksidente while our kids are playing. Prevention is always better than cure.
ReplyDeletetotally true that parent and child play is priceless. As a mom I always find time to play with my lil man
ReplyDeleteThat's true! During my kids younger years, we used to play a lot coz im a full time mom then and i really miss it now. Specially now coz they were at school the whole day while im busy with business... time flies so fast..
ReplyDeleteI.love.watching my boys play. Through playing, they learn many things from counting to giving to cooperation and many more. With the.biys now all feeling grown up, I am left with no choice but to play with the youngest. And I see the same.enthusiasm as I saw in my boys. Hpw I wish my.three other boys are available too for their youngest brother.
ReplyDeleteI play with my kids! Since they are teens now we play online trading card games.
ReplyDeleteInteraction with parents is really important for a growing child, my husband and I makes sure that we have enough playtime with our little boy everyday.
ReplyDeleteIt is really important to be our children's first playmate as we act as their guide in letting their qualities and skills unfold while at play. Sometimes I am guilty of not playing much with my son as I usually let him play on his own while I finish a gazillion of things.
ReplyDeleteWe make sure that we are always present and enjoying every moment whenever we play with the twins. My partner is a pro at this, even if he is tired from work, he makes sure that he still have the time to play with his kids. I love watching them play and it makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this reminder! <3 I always remind myself to enjoy my time with my babies. Of course I have work to do, but I keep telling myself to prioritize them. Besides, they are the reason Im struggling to do well with work, and I let the small things pass, toys everywhere, laundry, dirty dishes...these things can wait, but my babies, they are constantly growing and I want to catch them every moment possible.
ReplyDeleteI like what she said: The simplest way to really help children is to be completely attuned to what they are doing by watching what they are doing and asking open-ended questions that will encourage them to think. This is something I have to keep in mind, I might be physically present everytime but I'm always doing work or house hold chores all the time. I have to be attuned next time. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I also believe in learning through play and the memories we make everytime we play with our children.
ReplyDeleteAs much as possible we join the twins when they play. I think its more na nag eenjoy sila kapag kasama nila kame. I also love watching them play and will allow them to play outside ang mingle with other kids so their personality will develop.
ReplyDeleteI've always stood by the benefits and positive effects of learning through play. Actually with a child every opportunity can be a learning experience.
ReplyDeleteI agree, more than treating playing with one's child as an obligation, parents should treat it as an opportunity to bond with their child and learn (both the child and the parents) in the process.
ReplyDeleteI do not have regrets playing with my son I really give time to play and bond with him. This is the thing that I keep reminding my hubby that he needs to have time to play with our son because it's not forever that he will be our baby.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what you think