Our children are living in a technological world. Electronic media is everywhere, entertaining all ages as well as influencing our choices. Children from birth to age eight are learning rapidly as they use all of their senses and body to experience the world around them. During this important time of development children learn through their play and exploration across the five essential developmental dimensions:
1. Social and Emotional Development
2. Language Development
3. Physical Well-Being and Motor Development
4. Cognitive and General Knowledge
5. Approaches Toward Learning
Child development experts believe that the first thing parents should do is “unplug” their children’s life to experience different recreational activities. Try having a backyard treasure hunt, play hot potato, create a craft together. Unstructured play is very healthy for a child’s brain as it builds creativity and imagination. It also helps develop problem solving skills through the trial and error of experience. Susan T Eden author of Play Works writes “Play influences all aspects of development. Without play, development of the mind, body and spirit is stunted.”
Here is a helpful list of items to have ready to encourage spontaneous play.
• Stock shelves with blocks, art supplies, and dress-up clothes.
• Recycle plastic containers that can be used to hold water, pour sand, or hide secret treasure.
• Keep cardboard boxes as they can be used for doll houses, fire stations, or castles.
• Save old blankets and pillows for making cozy tents, caves and forts.
• Collect Halloween costumes and fabric remnants to create plays or act out book characters.
Guiding your child to use their imagination is rewarding and fun for the whole family. It will create memories that will be retold for a lifetime.
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