“Ask Dr. Weiss & The Weiss Pediatric Care Team” Series
February 2015
Each month, Dr. Weiss & The Weiss Pediatric Care team publishes a response to one of our parent’s or patient’s health related questions – everything from signs, symptoms, and treatment of illnesses to sibling squabbles, sleep issues, and school concerns. Whatever’s on your mind when it comes to physical, developmental, social, emotional, and academic well-being.
This month’s question has to do with children, parents and play. For the answer, we turned to the experts at Forty Carrots Family Center. Many thanks to the parent who submitted this thoughtful question, and to the experts at Forty Carrots for providing words of wisdom…and a great link too.
“What is the best way to connect in play with your child at 2 years? 4 years? Do you recommend following their lead or would you be more prescriptive?
Play is such an important part of young children’s development that it should be considered their first full-time job. It is through play that children learn about their world and make connections with other people. Play also gives parents the opportunity to connect with their children, creating a lasting bond.
While it is a parent’s role to set the stage for play by providing age-appropriate toys and activities, children should then be encouraged to take the lead and make discoveries of their own.
Unfortunately, busy schedules often leave parents feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to always set aside specific playtime with their children. When this is the case, it is comforting to know that eating a meal together, reading a book, going for a bicycle ride, or even folding laundry can be great ways for children and parents to spend quality time together.
Discover five elements that create meaningful play for young children. Click here
For more information about Forty Carrots Family Center and the many opportunities they offer for children, parents, and professionals, be sure to check out their website, http://fortycarrots.org/.