Play is really important in a babies development it promotes learning, development, growth movement skills, thinking, language,
social interaction and emotiional development. These things all happen best when your child is actively 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 from 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 encourge 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 you something. Respond to them,
listen to them, cuddle them, follow their lead and have fun together. Try to respond to toddlers warmly 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 so . 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 diging 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 aswell such as "Head and shoulders, knees and toes". Or teach them the word to your favorite song
its all good for them and fun for you.
Supervise toddlers closely at all times, especially around water and climbing equipment.
Be on hand to settle disputes if several toddlers are playing together. 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.
