Play is really important in a baby’s development it promotes learning, development, growth movement skills, thinking,
language, social interaction and emotional development. These things all happen best when your child is involved in an activity
and they are having fun. As a parent you are their first teacher and best playmate. You can help choose toys and activities
that motivate your child to play, explore imagine and learn about themselves and their environment.
At around 18 months
Your toddlers will spend some of their time wandering off to explore and then coming back to show you what they’ve
found or done, this is a difficult period as it is sometime hard for parents to find a balance between protecting your child
from danger and stifling their natural development. If left to their own devices they generally don’t like to stray
too far, but they can move fast so try to watch them but at the same time give them a little space to experience the world
around them.
They will begin to show a real interest in other children but most don’t share well yet, so be on hand to settle
disputes. They also love to do everything themselves so try to encourage them to try to do things and praise them for their
efforts.
If possible find frequent, small amounts of time each day to be available to your toddler, if you are at work this can
be hard but it is important so try getting up a little earlier or try to make it home for bed time and read them a story it
doesn’t have to be a lot of time but it is important. Toddlers love to show or tell try to respond to them, listen
to them, cuddle them, follow their lead and have fun together. Try to respond to toddlers gently and lovingly as
Separation anxiety is a normal part of a toddler’s development and strongest around 18-24 months.
Toddlers want to do everything themselves. Do a "safety check" and make sure your home is safe and interesting
for your toddler to actively explore and then let them do it. This may be a good time for your child to join a playgroup to
help teach them how to interact with other children.
Now is the time that you allow out your inner child as you show you child how to play with dolls, teddies, tea sets, telephones,
and clothes for dress-ups.
Traditional active play things like slides, swings, round abouts, ball pools, sand and water play are great but don’t
forget the benefits of the smaller things, creative play like play dough, bricks, boxes, trucks, cars, simple train sets and
farm and zoo sets.
As your toddlers grows their imagination will develop and they will start to develop stories for the things they are playing
with encourage this and join in you are never too old to play with trains or take imaginary tea with teddy and dolly.
It is great to get you toddler to help around the house, you can let your toddler help you with real or give them child-size
equipment. They love to use brooms and mops, help you wash up plastic dishes or rinse out socks, dust, so not only are you
helping your partner but you are helping your child to develop, two for one.
If you are in the garden your toddler will love to help you digging and planting so you can teach them all about nature
whilst having fun playing in the garden. Toddlers will love to see a plant that they have planted grow.
Toys do not have to be expensive or even toys some of the home made toys you can make are the things that they will play
with for hours so let your imagination run wild.
Toddlers love to jump around and dance so put on CD and sing and dance together. It is good to teach your child nursery
rhymes that have actions as well such as "Head and shoulders, knees and toes". Or teach them the word to your favourite song
it’s all good for them and fun for you.
Remember safety first, as if you would forget, always supervise toddlers closely, especially around water and
climbing equipment. Be on hand to settle disputes if several toddlers are playing together, you can be sure it will end in
someones tears. Check toys regularly to make sure they are still safe, no sharp or jagged edges, no loose small parts. Be
aware of choking hazards, flammable and toxic materials.
