PLAY-- DO YOU REMEMBER HOW?? By Teri Allen, OTR Play is the tool universally used by children to develop and refine their motor, perceptual, language, and social skills. Getting involved in your child's play is a delightful way to learn more about how he/she is functioning in all areas of development and will enhance your relationship with your child. Many childhood experts also suggest that playing with your child can help reduce problem behaviors. Our therapy staff agrees!! We find children are delighted to have an adult interested in their play, and they become more responsive to the therapist's requests. Unfortunately, many of us "big" folks have forgotten what play really is! We often mistake reading to our child, teaching the alphabet, or practicing catch as play. In addition, we get so overwhelmed with feeding, bathing, and transporting the kids to special events, that play is often not a priority. Following are some criteria that may help you remember how to play. 1. The child is self motivated to do the task. If you initiate a game of catch to improve your son's baseball skills - that would not be considered play. If he asks you to help build a lego castle that could qualify as play. 2. The activity is sought for the pleasure of doing the task rather than the pleasure of achieving a result. For example, when your child builds that lego castle he is enjoying the process of building. If, on the other hand, you are building a new home, your are probably doing it for the end result. You want a nice home, not an opportunity to use your hammer. 3. The child is actively participating in the task. Watching television is not play. However, making a video of a play she has written, could be play for your child. 4. The child makes the "rules of the game". Obviously you have to set basic safety rules for your child, but beyond that she should be free to set the rules of her play. If you're the alligator and gators are not allowed in the bathtub - that's the rule! 5. Reality can be temporarily put aside. Pretending is often a component of play. You know that your little one isn't Superman. As long as he's not trying to fly off of the swing set, his escape from reality should be enjoyed. If you feel a little rusty at the art of play the following tips may help you ease into the game : Observe your child's play from a safe distance. Increase your involvement by commenting on the play or asking questions. (i.e., "Wow that was a big crash!" "Who's the bad guy?") Ask if you can play! Follow your child's lead in choosing the activity. Try to keep your attention focused on the doing of the task and your child - ignore the phone and turn off the TV. Choose to get involved when your child is playing in a comfortable environment. Refrain from criticizing the fantasy your child creates or changing the rules of the game. MOST IMPORTANT - HAVE FUN!! Both you and your child will grow to treasure and remember your special play times. |
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