Playing Together

by Liz Arrington

The shelves at Target are already stocked with new supplies- pens, pencils, and notebooks in all their cheerful colors remind us that back-to-school season is near! As we wind down the summer and set our sights on the new school year ahead of us, many parents are looking to prepare their children to return to classroom routines and expectations. ’Tis the season of parental guilt. Terms like “school readiness” and “the summer slide” stir little waves of panic in the best of parents. Causing them to panic-buy sets of flash cards, and scour the Internet for educational games and activities that will counteract a summer that might have included more screen time than usual. As the school year approaches, the fear of falling behind begins to creep in. I’m here to help ease those fears, as child development experts remind us that learning is a natural skill for your child. Especially in early childhood, it’s critical that we not overlook the most important learning tool that our children need. Play. The unique thing about play is that children are born experts at it! In fact, they use play to teach themselves the things they need to learn. Play is the way that children internalize and process information, organize their thoughts and feelings, and express their inner voice. It improves dexterity and supports physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Play is a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage fully with their little one. Through play you are able to get a glimpse into their world, open up new channels of communication, and help to build enduring relationships. A few tips for parents to keep in mind when playing with their little ones: ● Resist the urge to direct or lead the play. It is critical for children to be self-directed during play, or it's not really play- it's following directions. ● Use reflective language, repeating what you see and hear. Think of yourself as a mirror for your child, following their lead and sharing in their process. ● Ask questions to clarify your role (what would you like me to do?) But avoid asking "Why?" or digging for meaning in play. It's frustrating for children to interrupt play to explain or examine what they are doing. ● When playing with toys or other objects, avoid the urge to move your little one's body or hands for them.

Even if they are playing with a toy the "wrong" way, authentic play is meant to be an exploration. You may choose to model the "correct" way for them, and your little one might change their approach or save that information in the future. ● Play should be FUN! Relax, focus and fully engage in the activity and delight in this little window into your little one's world. ● Leave your phone in another room. I’m not here to judge. But distracted play is not accomplishing the goal. And it’s really hard for us to avoid a quick glance at our notifications. If your phone is out of reach, you are far more likely to remain focused on your child with your full attention. ● Set aside some time this week to engage in play for 2030 minutes with your little one. This makes a special time for the two of you, and ensures that it actually gets done during busy days. You may be surprised at how that 30 minutes recharges your battery and sets aside some of the worries of your day. Rest easy and soak up the memories and moments of this summer. Read together, take nature walks, play games, draw pictures, sing and dance together. Help nurture independence and self-reliance by practicing and playing out classroom experiences. Happy Back to School to you and your family!

"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

Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com