When we look from different lenses, toys look like play materials from which a child learns. So if you know yourself, are knowledgeable about the brain development and want your child to have a great self-esteem, obviously the way of looking at it becomes very different.
In the book, Playful Parenting it is said, that we adults, don’t have much room in our lives for fun and play. Our days are filled with obligations, stress, work, commitments etc over scheduled and tired we can turn stiff and can get cranky and frustrated too quickly with a child demands. However, It is important to remember, that with all the stress and workload how important a child’s play is because play is a gateway to learning and we should not get bored with it. Find the time in your hectic schedule to play with your child. By doing so we can tap into the child’s natural exuberance.
Children are true creatures of the here and now and are naturally joyful and happy. Therefore it is important to understand the types of play, for example collaborative, associative, free, guided and parallel play. Then be able to provide appropriate materials to a child which will help to develop his motivation and learning. That is why the selection, presentation and maintenance of play materials is very important. Play is one of the most profound expressions of human nature and one of the greatest resources for learning, therefore we need to provide our child with play materials which encourage social fantasy(pretend play), exploration, gross motor, fine motor and music art and movement.
This is a great question. Knowing your own thresholds is a great place to start. Best to introduce some solitary play and self engagement to the child early on, when it’s only supervisory and not interactive for a few moments throughout the day & you can have some mental rest it will make a huge difference.
Self esteem and self worth is the way. A child who is made to feel good about himself at home will deal well if faced with social pressures and obstacles no matter what.
Choice of words and authoritative way of saying works well. Make an eye contact, go to the child’s level and clearly state why and what you expect. Golden rule is say less, say right.
Play is a powerful learning tool for young children that is why I would say play materials( toys) in the following categories are so essential, mastery and learning, social and fantasy, exploration and music, art and movement.
I would say get informed about the developing brain,to understand where your child is developmentally and set reasonable expectations and boundaries.
Please don’t struggle Respect the taste buds is a golden rule. To some broccoli or green beans taste bitter. Most children outgrow aversion for different kinds of food.
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