More often than not, an awake baby implies an active baby. Chances are your child is engrossed in some form of play, no matter how trivial it may appear to an adult. From engaging in simplistic activities like mouthing a teething ring to watching an older sibling play, your child is constantly learning through play.
Interestingly, playtime for children parallels work time for adults. It is enjoyable, yet it houses paramount importance in the overall development of your child. Through play, your child not only boosts his cognitive and physical skills but also learns valuable life skills such as problem-solving and cooperation.
The fascinating aspect of play is that it morphs over time. As a child grows, their definition of play broadens, turning more imaginative and interactive. Building sandcastles with others or sharing toys is unthinkable for a young toddler but is considered constructive play for pre-K kids.
Mildred Parten, a well-respected sociologist from the 1930s, conceptualized six stages of child play. Her theories, well-regarded and widely accepted, range from simplistic solo playing to complex group activities.
The first stage of play, termed as unoccupied play, starts from birth and lasts until around three months. At first glance, unoccupied play may not seem like play at all. This stage consists of merely exploring objects around them, which could include something as frivolous as their own hands.
In this stage, babies engage in simple activities such as mouthing teething rings or interacting with a play gym. While these activities might seem mundane, they are helping the child coordinate their motor skills and comprehend the world around him.
The solitary play stage spans from birth to two years. This stage can be described as self-centered play far from other children, using their own toys. For instance, a child might amuse himself by stacking colored cups or filling buckets with toys which eventually aids in his sorting abilities and physical development.
Onlooker play stage usually begins at two years old. While onlooker play is mostly observing rather than engaging, it is nevertheless crucial for your child's development. Children learn a great deal about the world and social cues by watching their peers engage in different activities while interacting with tools such as toy trains or learning about sharing and turn-taking.
Contrary to general belief, a child engrossed in onlooker play doesn't necessarily feel left out. The child sits close to the playing group to observe their actions and reactions in play scenarios and thoroughly enjoys the process. They are simply forming part of a normal cycle of play distinctive to toddlers and infants; indeed, they are having fun while learning.
Parallel play starts at two years and continues into later stages. It's a type of play where toddlers play near others without engaging or interacting. They might play with the same toys as their peers but steer clear of intruding in each other's activities. While it sounds primitive, this form of play is a monumental step towards group play.
The strength of parallel play is that it combines solitary and interactive dynamics. Concurrently playing with the same blocks or toy cars while being engrossed in their world is a typical scenario at this stage. Parallel play bridges the gap between self-play and interactive play which is a vital milestone in play development.
Associative play arises between ages three to four. During this stage, children display a heightened interest in playmates but often lack interactive play. They indulge in similar activities as their peers but do so independently, without aligning towards a shared goal.
For instance, if two children are playing with toy trains, they might not have a common destination or purpose in mind. The emphasis lies in the shared enjoyment of the activity rather than achieving a common goal. It's playful exploration rather than a game characterized by rules and objectives.
Cooperative play is the most sophisticated form of child play starting from four years onward. It is essentially goal-driven play, exemplified by activities such as building a sandcastle or playing house. Owing to the complexity of the activity, children set predefined rules for everyone involved. Occasionally, the group might divide tasks among themselves to accomplish the set goal.
However, as impressive as cooperative play might sound, it often ensues in minor disputes and tears. It is not a walk in the park for a child to always play the less desired role while others engage in more exciting roles. Hence, disputes are inevitable but they contribute significantly to learning negotiation skills.
Parents can aid their child progress through the different stages of play by offering a safe playing environment. For infants, providing an array of toys, from colorful balls to textured touch-and-feel books, can enhance their exploration and comprehension abilities.
Purchasing cost-heavy items for exploration is unnecessary. Everyday items like wooden spoons or empty containers can be intriguing toys for babies. In fact, the caregiver's presence is a much more valuable 'toy' at this stage. Mimicking baby sounds or displaying facial expressions can be considered unoccupied play and is very beneficial.
As your child grows into a toddler, arranging playdates with children of their age significantly enhances their social skills. Initially, he will play independently alongside other children but within a few years, he will start enjoying interactive play. Parents can even introduce dress-up clothes, costumes, or organize games such as duck-duck-goose or tag to foster cooperative play.
Outdoor play is beneficial for children as it helps them to enhance their spatial awareness and balance skills. Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), outdoor play is instrumental in boosting their attention spans.
While it is necessary to ensure a safe play environment for children, it is equally important to let them take the lead in choosing activities. Giving your child the freedom in sequencing their activities, allows autonomy and fosters decision-making skills.
Disputes during playtime are a common occurrence among toddlers. Parents should bear in mind that empathy and reasoning are skills they are yet to acquire. If a child engages in disruptive behavior like hitting another child or snatching toys, parents should intervene and explain appropriate behavior while redirecting their attention to another activity.
In some cases, a child might showcase aggressive behavior or exhibit indifference towards interacting games. If your child is often sent back from school or doesn't show any interest in joining his peers in play activities by the age of three, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician. Ignorance of these signs might postpone detection of disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Gradually your child's idea of play will evolve, and you will see them engage in activities that closely resemble conventional games. These small developmental steps not only enhance their cognitive abilities and emotional skills but also teach them how to interact with their peers. In a few years, you might be surprised by your child winning a Monopoly game or outrunning you in a tag game.