Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast
#14: The Dos and Don’ts of Developmental Play
We all need play in our lives. Yes, even you! It’s amazing to watch babies and children play. It comes so naturally to them, whereas it seems like we as adults completely forgot how to do it. Even though the way children play seems relatively simple, it’s actually developmental play. It’s how babies and young children learn about themselves and the world around them.
In this episode, I’ll cover the 6 stages of play, from birth through 4+ years. I’ll answer the questions every parent wants to know: when will my child start playing without me? And when will they start playing with other kids? Not only that, but I’ll delve into the dos and don’ts of developmental play, along with some ideas for how you and your partner can add some child-free play to your routine.
Here’s a glance at this episode…
- [02:19] How kids learn through play
- [03:06] Unoccupied Play (Birth – 3 Months)
- [04:31] Solitary Play (Birth – 2 Years)
- [06:29] Spectator/Onlooker Behavior (2 Years)
- [08:03] Parallel Play (2 – 3 Years)
- [10:01] Associative Play (3-4 Years)
- [11:37] Cooperative Play (4+ Years)
- [13:11] The dos and don’ts of play
- [15:35] How you, as the parent, can play
Free: 20 Ways to Play with Your Baby or Toddler
I’ve got a free guide that will give you ideas for playing with your child, from birth through 3 years, using ordinary household items! Fill out the form below to instantly grab a copy. (By submitting this form, you’ll be added to our email list, where you’ll receive weekly parenting tips and insight.)
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