Education and Inclusion Service

provided by the Children's Services Department

Points to remember when playing with your child:

  • Follow your child’s lead.
  • Pace the play at your child’s level- don’t rush them.
  • Don’t compete with your child.
  • Try unstructured play which encourages imagination and avoids a win/lose situation

e.g. Lego, play dough, colouring.

  • Praise and encourage their efforts – do not criticize.
  • Role play and Make Believe encourage creativity !
  • Be an attentive and appreciative audience – give your child your complete attention e.g turn off the TV.
  • Describe what your child is doing – don’t question,

e.g. “I see you are using the blue crayon to colour in the cat.”

  • Try not to help too much – children love to solve their own problems.
  • Reward quiet play with your attention. It is often a chance to catch up with jobs, but your child will be thrilled if you notice them playing quietly.  

Have Fun!!

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