In this period when we start to spend more time at home, we observe that many parents are worried about what activities they can do and what they can play at home.
We think that how you play is as important as the games you play with children. Not only which toy you play with, but also the way you play with it and your interaction is extremely important for your baby and your relationship. You can create space for your buds to focus on the moment while playing, to feel that their needs and desires are seen, to feel valued, to be accepted, and to express themselves as they wish.
During play, children explore toys and the things around them, talk and ask questions. Being sensitive and responding to all of this can sometimes be more important than what you play.
You can play pleasant games together, using a soft and calm tone of voice, eye and skin contact, and movements that can attract his/her attention. Sticking to a particular game, trying to teach your bud something while playing, or asking questions may not meet your child's current needs and desires. Instead, you can create an environment for them to manage the games. Instead of taking on a teaching role, you can be careful to be your child's playmate who gets excited with him on his journey of discovery. Playing games that your child can enjoy without forcing him and staying in touch with him can both improve joint attention skills and create space for you to have more enjoyable playtime.
You can reflect your children's actions by mirroring them during the game. For example, “you threw the red ball to me”. This way, your child can feel seen. In addition, by observing your child's body language, you can try to read the messages he wants to give you and reflect this to him. For example, “you were so excited to knock down this tower.” In this way, you can support your child to develop emotional awareness.
In order to keep his attention on the game more and to support joint attention during the game, you can challenge your playful parenting skills a little, such as moving different objects or toys, showing him a feature he has not noticed before, making him touch him, imitating animals or sounds, making changes in your tone of voice. You can try many different methods.