Dramatic play gets kids to be creative: Your old hats and clothes are a child's dream when it comes to playing. When a child sees things, they love to act them out. You may walk in on your child playing "mommy" or pretending to be Elmo or any other favorite character.
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Playing with dolls can be educational for kids: Using a child's doll, parents can teach basic skills and emotions. For example, when playing "tea party," children learn manners and how to be gentle. You can use words such as, "let's feed the baby," "be gentle" or any other fun song or rhyme to help them develop language skills. Fine motor skills are also developed when a child dresses or undresses their doll.
Let your child do the talking: You don't want to become "helicopter parents" hovering over a child's every action. It is important to inspire them to think, do and try things by moving in, planting an idea and then quickly moving out. Try not to stifle their play or creativity. Listen and watch, as they develop social skills, and guide with a gentle hand.
Reading to your child is integral to your daily routine: It is very important to set aside time every day to read to your child. Younger children love rhymes, simple stories and looking at pictures of other babies. Just remember, while they may not hang on to every word or look at every single picture, it doesn't mean that they are not listening. Your child will develop a love of reading that will stay with them for life. You may even walk in on your child "reading" to his or her favorite doll one day!
Remember, your kids are watching you: Children are "wired" to imitate. Play for children is imitative because it helps them master basic skills. Don't be surprised if you catch your child imitating a phone call or pretending to cook dinner. For good or bad, they'll be watching and learning - so be aware of what you do in front of them!
About the Author:
Bette Holtzman has been a family therapist and children's advocate for more than twenty five years. As Goldberger's Vice President of Consumer and Family Advocacy, she interacts with parents, product designers and professionals to help clear paths of information and inspiration in the playthings Goldberger creates and in the concerns of parents for and about their children's playtime.
The Goldberger Company is a 91-year-old family owned and operated toy company that specializes in toys for children aged 0 to 3. The Goldberger Company produces a variety of 'soft and snuggly' dolls that are perfect for teaching your children basic skills. There is an entire Basic Training line of dolls devoted to teaching young children including Sing and Learn, Baby's First Educational Doll and Zippity Do Dolly - the doll that teaches children to dress, tie, snap, button and close.
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