Share

The secrets of playtime for you and your child!

Playtime with your little one is the perfect way to have a little fun away from your work. (Image: Supplied)
Playtime with your little one is the perfect way to have a little fun away from your work. (Image: Supplied)

Once upon a time we all were kids... But we can still remember what playtime was like. We had fun! And what we learned would stick with us for years. They say you should never let go of your inner child. Well, today we’ll talk about why that’s such good advice. 

Truth about playtime

Everybody knows that playtime helps our kids get more in touch with their creative side. But what many don’t know is, playtime’s not only good for our kids - it’s great for busy parents too!

A study by Dr Jacqueline Harding observed how engaging in playtime with your little one can benefit you big-time as an adult. You may just be surprised how entering their world, can ease the stresses of your world.

That’s right! Playtime is the antidote!

Playtime with a cute baby.

 Let go of the guilt

As parents, we sometime put ourselves under too much pressure to get it all done. This isn’t a bad way to think. But sometimes it can get overwhelming if we don’t give ourselves regular breaks for our minds and bodies.

Playtime with your little one is the perfect way to have a little fun away from your work. 

Get creative and imaginative

We all have unique personalities, which often come with unique interests. So put on your “creative parent” cap and come up with an activity both you and your child can enjoy. Try not to “teach”, but rather focus on the time spent together.

Go back to your childhood

There’s another trick to this - just look for a toy that reminds you of your favourite childhood games. Sounds easy right? The magic happens when your enthusiasm spreads to your child. Fisher Price has the perfect toy both you and your baby will enjoy. 

Play in a triangle

You don't have to literally draw one on the floor- just create an imaginary triangle with yourself, your child and favourite toy. It lets them know that you’re sharing the fun together.

Give your undivided attention

This is probably the most important thing to do during any playtime with your child. Make sure you put your cellphone aside, turn the TV off and give them as much of your undivided attention as possible. Whether it’s just 5 minutes or an hour.

For all these reasons and more, Fisher-Price wants to encourage all parents to spend less time “growing up” and more time “growing down”. That way, you’ll get to see the smile on your child’s face every day, while unwinding from the real world in our imaginary one – bringing you closer every day to your bundle of joy.

Fisher-Price Lets Be Kids!

This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Fisher-Price.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE