Playing With Young Children: A Beginner's Guide

Whether you are a concerned parent, fun-loving aunt or uncle, or even pursuing a career with children involved, here is a guide to playing with young children.

General Tips

Firstly, become a participant in their world! Sitting on the floor and being at eye level with them can make you seem more inviting. This also includes playing sports with them, rather than watching them play.

When you are unsure of how to start, follow their lead or ask them about their preferences. When they are utilising building blocks to construct a zoo, you could build structures resembling animals or trees. Whenever you are in doubt, do not be afraid to ask them questions; oftentimes, children are willing to explain their thought processes and this encourages their leadership and autonomy. Additionally, it shows that you are genuinely wanting to be involved in their world.

Age-specific Play

Toddlers of 1-3 years → Up to preschooling age, a child should hone these skills: patience, problem-solving, creativity, and in interpersonal communication (Child Development Institute, n.d.). Motor skill development is crucial too. Activities include: solving puzzles, simple sports, and painting. Involving them in your daily routine can encourage learning by imitation; when you are cooking, set up a stove and slicing station for them to “cook” alongside you.

Preschoolers of up to 6 years old → Playing pretend is likely one of their favourites; this can look like dressing up, adopting a different persona, and setting an appropriate scene together. Additional ideas include: handwriting basics and doing simple household chores. 

School-aged → Being in a school setting comes with rule abiding. Playing board games such as Monopoly that go by a set of rules, to engage them! They are now able to engage sports in its full form, such as badminton and tchoukball. At this age, one can share your own hobbies to expose them to other possibilities.

Written by: Adalee Loh

10/2024

References

Aimed at the Heart (n.d.). Help! I don’t know how to play with my children. https://aimedattheheart.com/i-dont-know-how-to-play-with-my-children/ 

Child Development Institute. (n.d.). Playing with your child. https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/play-work-of-children/pl5/ 

Mlynek, A. (2024, March 12). An age-by-age guide to playing with your kid. Today’s Parent. https://www.todaysparent.com/family/family-life/how-to-play-with-your-kid/