How important is play?

[Carriel]

We've been asked to contribute some words of wisdom about Play... and I'd love some input:

THe questions we've been asked are:

How important is play for babies and toddlers?
tips and advice on how to make everyday things feel like play to a baby or toddler
The value and uses of music in play - to entertain/ soothe etc

apologies if this sounds a bit woolly - it's just what we've been asked for. The "wisdom" will be credited to mumsnet and included in a play pack of baby eisnstein goodies, which I guess will be sold, but is I know also to be given away to lots of playgroups./ nurseries etc, so it's a good way of spreading the word about mumsnet

All helpful comments appreciated

Vital I'd say. The most enjoyable sort of play for toddlers is role play so anything that involves 'helping' mum and dad, brushing up, doing the washing, doing the dusting, doing the shopping. Also I think that toddlers just want you to be involved whatever they are doing so half of the fun for them is the interaction. However busy you are vow to spend at least an hour a day giving them your full attention.

As far as music goes, when DS (21months) was a newborn he was very colicky and a terrible sleeper, we used to play a CD of classic nursery ryhmes to him every night and it really really helped to soothe him. I think music and singing is really important aswell to develop language and self confidence.

I don't think you need to make everyday things feel like play to a toddler - they do it themselves. DS2 (29 months) has fun unpacking the shopping, putting things in the bin for me, handing me pegs for the washing line... he just comes up when I'm doing chores and says "I help!".

We have songs and actions for every activity we do. Nappy changing, bathing, dressing and going to bed all have their own silly made up songs. The repetition means ds knows what's happening each time and what to expect - hopefully as he gets older he'll join in too.
ds (10 months) has been "dancing" since about 5 months every time he hears any kind of music - he does a Stevie Wonder impression down to a tee if that gives you any idea what I mean. His favourite toys are noisy ones like tambourines, bells and shakers which he loves to play with along to music or singing.

Learning to pick things up with a finger and thumb and pass toys from one hand to the other in play etc are all vital for fine motor skills. When a baby pulls a toy towards them by a string this teached them to grasp things using the correct fingers, blowing bubbles helps strengthen facial muscles, etc etc.

You can turn anything into a game for a baby or a toddler. They love to immitate, so anything you do with them - banging a wooden spoon etc, they will love to copy as long as they receive a positive response from Mum or dad.

Music, especially classical is said to stimulate a babies brain and I found that Lottie loved listening to music and responds immediatley to music now in a positive way having listened to it from day one, in fact I sang and played music to her the whole time I was pregnnat.

Playing hide and seek around the clothes in shops

Formula 1 racing round any supermarket in a trolley

Play is children's "work" in the sense that it is how they learn about the world and develop new skills. All play is valuable to form bonds between adults and children and with other children as well as being "training" for the brain. This is why little children love repetitive games like peek-a-boo or hearing the same stories, nursery rhymes and pieces of music over and over again. Physical play is good for muscle and bone development as well as motor skills and balance. Everything can be turned into a game if the participants are willing!

I'm not sure if I am OK to put this on this thread (because it might be seen as advertising) but music is really, really important for little ones. I teach music to children 0-3years and I won't say the name then people won't think it's just advertising, but you can use music in evryday situations to make life easier and sometimes avoid tantrums! I also work at a special scholl and everything is sung and the repetition really gets through to the children. Although my littlest one is 4.5 now, I found a great book called Toddler Play and I wish I'd had it when my others were little. It gives some simple ideas for games/learning things to do with children up to about three and none of them cost loads of money! Just involving your child in everyday things is playing for them, like soupdragon said, and it's easy to ask them things in the supermarket like colours, shapes, big/small etc. Some children, including one of mine, were far happier emptying out the pan cupboard than actually sitting with me and doing jigsaws or bricks, or whatever we decided to do. If anyone does want to find out more about music, just let me know.

I think play is vital a) because it helps kids learn about themselves, others, the world and b) because it's fun!

Thanks so much for that

Have sent it all off - and wait to see what they make of us!

Thanks as ever for responding
Carriel