Toddler Playtime

Toddler Games: Playtime!

Playtime is key to developing strong social, cognitive and language skills. Here are ideas for engaging your little one in playing with you, on his own, and with other kids.
Playing with Mom and Dad

Whenever you play with your child, you're exposing him to language, motor skills and conceptual lessons.

* Use toys and motion to teach concepts such as "up" and "down." Hold a soft ball high overhead and say "up," then drop it and say "down."
* Teach your little one to moo like a cow and to oink like a pig. Once he knows an animal's correct sound, try making the wrong sound for an animal—he'll find it hilarious.
* Toddlers are fascinated with their body parts. Stand in front of a mirror and point at your arm, knee and toes, and then ask your child to pick out his own.

Going Solo

Playing alone is a valuable skill for developing imagination, problem-solving ability and self-reliance.

* Offer him a carefully edited group of toys, like a truck, shape sorter and nesting blocks, so that he doesn't feel overwhelmed.
* Start off by playing with him. As he gets into the activity, slowly back off. At first he'll probably only be able to play alone for minute or so, but by the time he's two, he will start entertaining himself for longer stretches of time.
* Mom—or Dad—related play will help keep a child engaged in what's in front of them. For example, if you're cooking, set him up with his own mixing bowl nearby.

Playing with Friends

Toddlers are not yet at a stage where they consistently play with other kids. Usually, they just play side-by-side, which is called parallel play. But when your toddler and his friends start to interact, you have a great chance to start teaching how to be friendly, communicate, share and resolve conflicts.

* Schedule play-dates for times when all children involved won't be tired or hungry.
* Stock up on toys that are easy to share, such as dress-up clothes, building blocks, puzzles and dolls.
* Provide space for large muscle movement. A park is a great setting, especially if your child feels strongly about not sharing his toys.
* Don't be surprised or alarmed if it takes your toddler a while to interact, or expresses frustration in non-verbal ways.