As I journeyed through the certification process in DIR/Floortime, I discovered a treasure trove of valuable tips and techniques for engaging and playing with children. The DIR/Floortime approach, created by the visionary child psychiatrist Stanley Greenspan, emphasizes the significance of nurturing emotional connections and meeting children where they are developmentally.
Now, armed with the knowledge of DIR/Floortime, I am excited to share some wonderful tips and ways to play with kids that promote their development and strengthen our bond with them:
✨Get on the Floor and Play:
When it’s time to play, get down to your child’s level. Active participation in your child’s play is essential for building strong connections and creating lasting memories. When you join them on the floor, you enter their imaginative world and show them that their play is meaningful to you. Whether it’s building a LEGO castle together or engaging in a lively game of pretend tea party, being physically present and fully engaged in the play strengthens your bond and fosters a sense of security in your child.
🌈Wait, Watch, and Wonder:
Patience is key in the world of play. Instead of immediately suggesting ideas or taking over the play, take a step back and observe. By waiting and watching, you gain valuable insights into your child’s interests, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities. As you wonder about their choices and actions, you can then follow their lead and join them in their play adventures. For example, if your child is playing with toy animals, observe which animals they choose and how they interact with them. You may notice patterns or storylines emerging, giving you a glimpse into their unique world of imagination.
✨Expand on Their Ideas:
While waiting and observing is important, there are moments when you can gently expand on your child’s ideas to further enrich their play experiences. Encourage imaginative thinking by asking open-ended questions that stimulate creativity. For instance, if your child is playing with a toy car, you can ask, “Where do you think the car is heading on this exciting adventure?” This encourages them to explore possibilities beyond the immediate context, such as the car venturing to a magical island or exploring the depths of space.
🌈Playful Obstruction – Big and Little:
Introducing playful obstructions during play can spark problem-solving and critical thinking skills in your child. For instance, while playing with building blocks, you could place one block just out of their reach and watch how they figure out a way to get it. This simple obstacle challenges them to think outside the box and use their problem-solving skills to achieve their goal. In a pretend kitchen scenario, you can pretend to be a “sneaky chef” and hide a play food item, like a pretend apple, under a towel or inside a drawer. Then, ask your child to find the missing ingredient for their recipe. This playful obstruction prompts them to explore their surroundings, think critically, and come up with creative ways to discover the hidden item.
Remember, the key to playful obstruction is to present challenges that are age-appropriate and engaging for your child. Whether it’s a small obstacle like reaching for a toy on a shelf or a larger obstacle course to conquer, these playful hurdles provide a fantastic opportunity for your child to develop essential skills while having a blast!
✨Play Dumb:
As a parent, it’s instinctive to want to help our children and provide solutions. However, giving them the space to figure things out on their own can be incredibly empowering. During play, refrain from immediately fixing problems for them. Let them navigate their way through challenges, even if it means making mistakes or experiencing minor setbacks. For instance, if they are trying to build a tower with blocks that keeps toppling over, avoid intervening right away. Allow them to experiment, adjust, and learn from their attempts.
When your baby is reaching for a toy just out of their grasp, resist the temptation to hand it to them immediately. Instead, play dumb and watch with excitement as they explore different movements and positions to reach the toy.
If your child is working on a painting or drawing and asks for your help to fix a mistake, play dumb and ask them what they think would be the best way to make it even better. Encourage them to explore different techniques or use the mistake as an opportunity to create something new and unique.
This process not only hones their problem-solving skills but also builds resilience and confidence.
Use Big Affect: Children are naturally drawn to animated and enthusiastic play partners. Use big gestures, exaggerated facial expressions, and varying tones of voice to capture their attention and ignite their imagination. For example, when pretending to be a character in a story, use distinct voices and playful movements to bring the character to life. This playful affect creates a sense of wonder and excitement, making the playtime experience even more enjoyable and immersive.
🌈Build Expectation:
Incorporate anticipation and excitement into play by building expectations. For instance, if you’re about to surprise your child with a fun game or activity, playfully count down or create a suspenseful pause before revealing the surprise. The buildup of excitement enhances their engagement and adds an element of surprise and joy to the play.
By incorporating these tips into your playtime with your children, you create a nurturing environment that fosters their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional connections. Embrace the power of play and watch your children’s imaginations soar as they embark on delightful adventures, leading to rich and meaningful learning experiences! 🌈✨