Playtime is Serious Business
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood," Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. Children need various types of daily play to support meaningful learning opportunities as they develop language, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. The types of play include physical, dramatic, sensory, music and art, nature, and age-appropriate play.
Everyday household objects are some of the best toys for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. These items allow them to explore and encourage their imaginations. Babies are fascinated by their surroundings, especially faces and bright colors, and it's as simple as them grasping an object and holding on to it. Parents and Grandparents can focus on introducing things that stimulate curiosity, like a game of peek-a-boo. For toddlers, look for objects that encourage problem-solving and imagination as they may begin to arrange objects, which eventually turns into sorting and classifying them. For preschoolers, look to use objects to help them relate to each other and the world around them. Encourage their imagination by creating tents made out of blankets draped over couches and chairs.
Grandparents are some of the luckiest people I know. My question is, how can you and your grandchild reap all the incredible benefits of your unique relationship in the playtime department? Grandparents can be a friend and fun-loving playmates in the lives of their grandchildren, and their grandchildren will love and remember them for it! Here are some ideas to connect with grandkids at any age; go to the park or movies, take the time to engage in imaginative play, and enjoy the energy of your grandchildren, no matter what they may be up to.
Share what you played as a child. Did you play hopscotch? Was the hula-hoop a thing in your past? Games like Scrabble, hide-and-seek, and Play-Doh, are games that your grandchildren would enjoy. Purchase a hula-hoop or two, a couple of board games, and any supplies like chalk needed to introduce the grandkids to the games you played years ago.
Most importantly, have fun with your grandkids! They grow up fast and will remember the times you played unique games with them. When your grandchildren become grandparents, they will pass it on.
Do you want the grandkids to play with you at every age and stage of their life? Let them choose what you play. Most kids are exposed to technology at a young age in our tech-savvy world, and screen time is ok in moderation. In addition, while playing games, let your grandkids win every once in a while. Of course, it is nice to let them win, but I recommend not making it obvious when you lose on purpose.
The role of grandparents in family life is ever-changing. Grandparents can play many roles, from historian to mentor to child-care provider. Strong intergenerational connections can give grandchildren a sense of security of belonging to the extended family. The degree of grandparents' involvement varies from one household to the next, depending on a variety of circumstances such as proximity to grandchildren, relationship to parents, type of family structure, and health of grandparents.
Get inspired to start some new family traditions with your grandkids. Whether you want to go all out or want some easy things to do together, consider some of these ideas to get a tradition going. Camp out in the backyard for some evening star gazing, create a marshmallow bush for some magical morning fun. Family game night can tie this playtime theme together. What are your playtime options?
