APlay with Me! 

Don’t Forget to Teach Your Child to Play

       I tried to teach my child with books.

       He only gave me puzzled looks.

       I tried to teach my child with words.

       They passed him by often unheard.

       Despairingly I turned aside.

        “How shall I teach this child?” I cried.

       Into my hand he put the key.

        “Come,” he said, “play with me.”

                                     Unknown author

Play with me. It’s true! Do you remember as a child how wonderful it was when a parent played with you? Maybe your dad taught you how to catch, or your mom came outside and watched you try to do a cartwheel? Ahhh such amazing memories.

One of the memories I cherish the most is when both of my parents helped me to build a glorious sandcastle at the beach!  Watching them laugh together but also be so serious about my sandcastle build.  Mom helped me to find tools like paper cups and plastic spoons.  Dad grabbed a big bucket and ran to the water to fill it so he could help me build a MOAT! 

Remembering, I can see it all.  As I watched, I learned so many things.  I learned about a castles structure sure, but I also learned, how to solve a problem, how to work together and how important it was to do something well.  I think it was when I heard this for the first time, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right!”  I heard this phrase a lot throughout my life from my Mom, but mostly in my head.  Anytime I started a project and still to this day I hear it. 

Playing with your child is the most effective way to build a stronger relationship. 

 It brings joy and fun into their memories of you.  Being a great playmate for your child is easy!  Actively watch them, listen to their stories, talk to them, and try to be a part of their story.  You can offer your child more mature and more varied forms of play.  You know more about the world.  Playing with adults in their lives will widen children’s imaginations.