Child-Led Play

As a therapist with training in infant mental health, I know how important it is for parents to spend time with their young children in child-led play. Most experts recommend spending at least 5 minutes a day in one-on-one play that the child determines and the parent follows along. This special playtime helps build the relationship between parent and child, improves communication skills, and may even decrease problem behaviors. I find this is effective not only as a parent but as a grandparent, as I have 17 grandchildren. I have had the privilege of being with some of my grandchildren recently.  I love watching them. I have witnessed the pure joy and delight a child has in discovery and the disappointment when they are not heard and understood. I have seen the newborn's drive to connect and their need to be loved. 

One time in particular, I had the option where I could have been bossy and told my 4- and 6-year-old granddaughters to stop making so much noise and to play nice, or I could join in. I decided to join in. This play led to an imaginary game of magically turning each other into giraffes, frogs, elephants, and even spiders. As this grandma wore out from running all over the house to take my turn at turning them into another animal, I suggested that we take a break and sit on the couch. As I did, my 4-year-old granddaughter climbed on my lap and asked if I could be a spider on her back. Then, I rubbed her back like a spider. I am ever so grateful that I joined in because I would have missed some precious, tender moments.