Around 18 months, you may decide it is time to start having play dates with your toddler. It is vital to establish good socialization skills early on so that your child will be ready for kindergarten when that time comes. Here are some ways you can assist your toddler in learning valuable play skills.
1. Show Gentleness
On your own, you want to show your child how to gently handle toys. If you have a pet, then you would want to demonstrate how you pet the animal softly. This will help with your toddler’s motor skill development because he or she is learning how much strength is necessary for certain actions.
2. Understand Developmental Stages
There are different forms of play. You want to work your way up steadily with the following stages.
- Solitary Play: Child plays alone with no one else around.
- Parallel Play: Child plays around someone else, but they are not doing the same activity.
- Associative Play: Child plays same game as another, but they do not have to work together.
- Cooperative Play: Child plays together with someone else.
3. Monitor Closely
Whenever your toddler is playing with someone else, you want to monitor the situation. Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers cannot fully grasp the concept of sharing. This is when you want to begin instilling that concept within them.
4. Move More Often
Communicating with your toddler is important. However, you want to demonstrate how to play certain games because your child is more likely to pick up on actions. When you do talk, try to keep it to short phrases.
5. Understand Your Child
No one knows your toddler better than you do. If you do not think your child is ready for a play date, then do not pressure him or her into doing it. Work at whatever pace is best for your growing toddler.
Snacks can be incorporated into any play time, so have Amara Organic Baby Food readily available. If you have questions about our flavors or cold pressure drying system, then reach out through this contact form.
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