Literally speaking, play is a serious matter. This is because although it seems to be providing only fun, it has an important role in kids’ health and development.

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Any type of play, whether it’s hide-and-seek, peek-a-boo or tug-of-war, enriches the brain, body and overall life of children.

Research has shown that play can enhance children’s abilities to organise, plan, cooperate and regulate emotions. What’s more, it also helps with mathematics, language and social skills.

And it’s well-known that play helps children to cope up with stress.

Age-specific Play Ideas

Learning is best induced by expressing a child’s natural need to play rather than just factors like test scores.

Play helps them to joyfully explore their world and acquire the skills needed for today’s world such as innovation and teamwork.

Here are age-specific play ideas that parents should use for an excellent health and development of their children.

Up to 6 Months

Show your baby new interesting objects.

Right from a baby’s first smile, her playful learning starts. Responding her with a smile is a type of play that teaches her an important socio-emotional skill – you can receive a smile and attention from me anytime just by smiling yourself.

Reproduce your baby’s babbles and coos and try to converse with him using your baby’s sounds as a prompt.

Change your baby’s positions regularly so that he can see the world from various angles.

7 to 12 Months

Let your baby crawl and explore in a safe environment.

Let your baby learn that her actions can have effects. E.g. a toy slipped from her hand drops to the ground.

Place a few toys which your baby can reach and take out to play with them.

Keep a mirror in a position so that your baby can see her facial expressions in it.

Play peek-a-boo.

1 to 3 Years

Let your child play with other children. A durable kids outdoor playsets at Tiny Tiny Shop Shop is the best for this.

Give your kid empty containers, blocks, puzzles and wooden spoons. Such simple and everyday objects are best for supporting children’s creativity. Only your attention can enrich your child and not a pricey gadget.

While picking daycare and preschools for your child, choose those with unstructured playtime. Playful learning wherein kids can take the lead and their curiosity is encouraged, should be the major focus of early childhood education.

Help your kid explore his body and its abilities through various movements, like jumping, walking, standing on one leg etc.

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4 to 6 Years

Give your kid time and space to create imaginary scenes, activities and roles.

Tell your kid stories and ask simple questions to develop an ability in him to recollect.

Give your kid opportunities to sing and dance.

Let your child play with colours and create art with colourful art kits for kids from Tiny Tiny Shop Shop for example.

Limit screen time to a healthy level. Age-appropriate media can benefit older children, particularly if you too watch and play with them.

So, are you ready to let your kid get benefited by a great playtime?