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Home › Articles › Play Time › Playing with Our Toddlers

Playing with Our Toddlers

Loving, Chasing and Playing with Toddlers

By Mark Stackpole

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When dealing with active toddlers, there are a lot of simple things that can engage them on many levels. The most important thing is that parents and children engage with each other. "Connect one-on-one during this time, and let your child take the lead," Dr. Kuczmarski says. "If your son wants you to go under his bed and hide so the bad prince won't find you, then go under the bed. If your daughter wants you to dress her doll up to be an evil ghost, then whip up the wicked outfit. Do whatever it takes to share, listen and connect during this time together."

Dr. Kuczmarski believes that even the busiest parents can find 15 minutes a day to devote to each child, and a lot can happen during even the briefest amount of time. "The benefits of 'special time' are numerous," she says. "You will discover your child's needs, especially their emotional and psychological needs. Your listening skills will develop and improve. Best of all, your relationship will deepen into greater warmth, kindness, closeness and openness."

Toddlers and Alone Time
As important as playing with toddlers is, there are other activities that parents and kids can do together that go beyond basic play. "Introduce alone time as soon as possible age-wise," Dr. Kuczmarski says. "It is fine for even a 1-year-old to know that playing alone is rewarding and fun. Give your child a 'shade tree.' If you don't have a yard, choose a tree in the park or open an umbrella and pretend. If you do have a yard, find a special spot, a quiet place where your child can sit and dream."


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