Why play? Early games build bonds and brain
Why play? Early games build bonds and brain
Why play? Early games build bonds and brain
By Claire McCarthy, MD
February 2, 2023
Summary
Want your child to grow up healthy, happy, smart, capable, and resilient? Play with them.
Couple running in woods Great games to play with infants: 6 to 9 months The Center for the Developing Child has some great ideas and handouts for parents about specific games to play with their children at different ages.
Play games of hiding toys under a blanket or another toy, and then "Find" them, or let the baby find them.
Play imitation games: if your baby sticks out their tongue, you do it too, for example.
Play simple games with objects, like putting toys into a bucket and taking them out, or dropping them and saying "Boom!" Great games to play with toddlers Between 12 months and 18 months, young toddlers are gaining more language and movement skills, and love to imitate.
Play some rudimentary hide-and-seek, like hiding yourself under a blanket next to the baby.
Playing with your child is an investment in your child's future - and a great way to build your relationship and make both of you happy.
Reference
McCarthy, C. (2023, February 2). Why play? early games build bonds and brain. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-play-early-games-build-bonds-and-brain-202302022884