It is never too soon to start playing with your baby. You can play with very young children by talking, making faces, tickling and playing peek-a-boo games.
The need for play continues to increase as children age. Play is the main way children learn. It helps them communicate and develop skills that lead to being happy, healthy, well-balanced adults. Play also gives you a chance to bond with your child.

Children are affected by play on five different fronts:
• Physical – Developing co-ordination, physical fitness and health
• Social – learning about friendships, personality and emotions
• Emotional – practicing adult roles through role play
• Language – communication skills and problem solving
• Cognitive – children develop an understanding of concepts and explore different materials while playing.
Playing with your child makes him or her feel loved and special. Take your cues from the child and play at their level. If your child returns to the same toys again and again, don’t worry, this is normal. Just follow their leads.

Children have different types of play, and they need a balance of all of them.
• Imaginative play
• Construction
• Creative play
• Physical play
Next time you are faced with the decision of whether to play or complete a chore, play with with your child and know you are making memories and helping prepare them for life. In the process you’ll establish a closeness that gives them security, and bonds you together.
Find “playful” opportunities in Hutchinson April 15 through April 19 at the Week of the Young Child activities.
Click Here to view the full list of activities.

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When raising children, there are so many things to be concerned about. But sometimes it’s the simplest things that have the biggest impact. Our very first close relationship – usually with mom – affects us all our lives, including:

Our self-esteem and self-image
How we deal with stress, trauma and challenge
Our ability to make and keep friends
When a mother (or other care-giver) responds to the baby’s need for comfort and attention, the baby feels secure. That feeling plays a large role in shaping personality. Of course, other factors have a part in this too, but a mother giving that feeling of security lays a strong foundation for healthy social and emotional well-being throughout life.

This may sound like such a big job, but it really boils down to some straightforward approaches any parent can take.
Respond to your baby’s needs quickly and calmly
Talk sweetly to your baby
Engage and play with your baby – it is never too early
Give your baby a stimulating environment
Positive, age-appropriate, interaction with your child from the time they’re born helps them feel secure. When they know they can depend on you their brain develops in a way that leads to social-emotional wellness. That allows them to be successful throughout their lives.
So, while it may seem insignificant that you spend a few minutes reading with your baby, playing with your toddler, or eating with your child, you’re doing something that reaches far beyond that experience. You’re nurturing them in a way that encourages success on the playground, in the classroom, and with their future careers.

If you’d like to see how your child is doing with social and emotional wellness, a free screening is available by calling early childhood programs or Sharon Hixson at 620-931-8505.

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