Structured Play - Please help me !!

[mumtosp]

Hi all,

I really need help and tips on structured play !! DS is almost 14 mo. I work 4 days a week so have 1 weekday and the weekend with DS and I want to make the most of it.

We usually play with stacking cups, various musical instruments, shape sorters and read (he has loads of books). But we never tend to stick to one thing and just go with the flow.... Is that OK? Or do we need more structure? When you have structured play with your DCs, what do you do?

I would really like to take DS for some baby groups on my day off, but he has some health issues and we usually have various medical appointments on my day off. However, the childminder he goes to takes him to a toddler group almost every week...

I do always tend to doubt myself and think I'm not doing enough :(

TIA...

I follow my DCs lead. Let them know that I'm interested in what they are doing, make quietly approving comments, quietly copy them. But I try not to direct their play or ask questions which might interrupt their concentration. Let them wallow in what they are doing, knowing that you are watching and joining in by following their lead.

I like this article.

Sorry - meant to say - yes, going with the flow is great.

I am a childminder and we have to follow the EYFS for learning and development. Have you spoken to your childminder? She will have to do observations on your child to determine what areas of development need improvement and she will be able to give you some ideas / tips on how you can do this. At such a young age. Children don't have a great attention span for sticking to an activity for any length of time so much better to let them make their own choice about what they want to play with. It sounds to me like you are a great mum just by thinking about this but don't put too much pressure on yourself or your child to do 'structured' things. This is a great age where your DC will be soaking everything up like a sponge so the more places you can take him and just chatting to him about everything will really bring him on. Enjoy the precious time you gave together with lots of fun and cuddles!!!

This is a trap i fell into a bit with DC1. I wanted to maximize my time with him and teach him all i could and help him reach his milestones...

The problem with too much directed play means when they get older and you want to sit down with a cup of tea for 5 minutes you can't because "but mummy i need you to play with me".

It's honestly much better for them to get on with your day and let them join in with washing up (little bowl for them with plastic cups), sweeping, laundry etc. And just out to a park or a walk down a muddy path. Yes of course join with his play but let him experiment with a few toys and join in later rather than directing it.

Took me til i had horrific spd with dc2 and couldn't play all the time to realise DS was very capable of entertaining himself.

You're doing more than enough, just enjoy your time with him.

Hi all,

Thanks for your responses :)

How much time would you say your DCs spendplaying on their own? I'm asking because DH sometimes has to travel and I'm forced to leave DS alone in his pen while I get some work done....

They need time on their own- to discover, to imagine, to investigate.
They also need time with adults to talk to them, but it doesn't always have to be play. Everything is a learning opportunity for a baby. Talk to them as you do the housework, as you do the shopping, as you walk with them- give them a running commentary. it's how they learn, by watching and listening and as they get older, by copying what they see and hear.