“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child; there are seven million”
This quote by educator Walt Streightiff highlights the absolute endless possibilities for a child at play.
An artist adds new depth and different dimensions by adding splashes of colour and paint to a blank canvas.
Your newborn is exactly that…a blank canvas with immeasurable possibilities. Through play your child will develop creativity and imagination, allowing them to grow physical, cognitive and socio- emotional skills that they need to be successful in school and beyond. Play is more than just cherished and precious memories of growing up; it is an essential part of how children learn.
A child is born with innate talents and an instinctive urge to learn; mostly through imitation and exploration. Once a new skill is acquired, your little one will insist on honing and perfecting that skill. A toddler that just learnt to walk will refuse to be carried or pushed around, sometimes to the exasperation of their parents! They will wriggle and struggle until they are free.
It is therefore important to allow them the freedom to try and try again. To guide the little hands and show them again where the circle shape fits until they get it right. The mutual joy and pride of that moment is the absolute best!
Play allows children the opportunity to develop resilience, to learn cooperation and negotiation with parents and peers. It is very often a creative outlet and an excellent opportunity for parents and caregivers to fully engage and to form safe, stable and nurturing relationships with their children. Adults also get to see the world through the eyes of their littlies and are allowed to let their hair down and act silly… a win-win situation, right!
Be sure to allow a balance between unstructured free play and adult guided play. Play is brain building even though it seems frivolous. Make time for it and enjoy!
Xoxo, Dr Christa