Child-Led Play

A child's healthy emotional development depends on the quality of time and interactions with guiding adults (parents or any other caregivers). Child-led play is a special bonding time between the adult and the child to improve the child's sense of security, self-confidence, independence, and aids in strengthening the parent-child or caregiver-child relationship.

How to integrate child-led play in your daily schedule?

Take about 10-15 minutes of un-interrupted time from your daily care-giving schedule. During this time, avoid any kind of distractions, so that you can focus on what your child is thinking, feeling, doing, or saying.  You have to come to your child's level and let him/her lead, while you follow along. This is similar to "Follow The Leader", where your child is the leader, and you are the follower. You will only respond when prompted and try not to takeover the play by giving instructions or changing the direction of the play. You will imitate your child; he moves, you move or he talks to you only then you talk back. It is probably a good idea to start off in the toy area.  You need to use simple, non-competitive and technology/screen-free toys like cars, dolls, puppets, blocks, puzzles, kids' musical instruments, etc.

© Everything Family Guide

You can also make this into a learning experience...

• Vocabulary Development: Once in a while, describe how he/she may interact with the play materials (i.e. "The blue car goes on top.") Describe the interactions by using lots of adjectives/details.  You are helping build your child's vocabulary by modelling language usage in daily activities.  Remember to use simple but complete sentences.
• Praise: Sometimes, you can praise your child's qualities or characteristics to encourage child-led play. This will help build your child's self-confidence. Please use it with caution or it will become boring!
• Social Behavior: Child-led play promotes positive behaviors and teaches your child how to handle different emotions. This will help prepare your child for future relationships with his/her peers and teachers.
• Learning Toys: You can also use simple toys that teach learning concepts such as counting, alphabet, shapes, color, etc. Remember to let your child lead and don't correct them or give answers.

Have fun playing...

Annie

(Source: AB Health)