| Kids enjoy playing but sometimes it can be difficult to | | | | for themselves once you have given examples and |
| keep activities interesting and enjoyable for a child. | | | | instructions to explain how it is done. |
| This article offers some tips to parents and carers on | | | | 3) Get involved in playing with the child. Try and |
| this matter. | | | | come down to their level and relate to them. Don't |
| Children appreciate variation, they do not want to do | | | | be too serious, relax and have fun. |
| the same activities all the time. Play is not just about | | | | 4) Use your imagination to come up with ideas of the |
| toys but doing fun things too. Children enjoy going | | | | cuff that will entertain the child. |
| out to interesting places like museums, parks and | | | | 5) Let them use their imaginations. Allow them to be |
| shows. They enjoy getting physical, playing football | | | | creative. |
| or swimming. They enjoy being creative too, painting, | | | | 6) Give toys to the children that are suitable for the |
| making things, dressing up and putting on shows. | | | | age. Update their toys regularly as they will outgrow |
| Games do not always have to be noisy, there can be | | | | them. Don't force them to play with toys that are |
| moments of contentment and enjoyment during | | | | for younger kids. |
| quiet games too. | | | | 7) There is no need to buy expensive toys that are |
| How can a parent or carer make play time | | | | easily broken, especially in the hands of young |
| enjoyable? | | | | children. It is easy to create games with inexpensive |
| 1) Give the child some choice as to what activities | | | | common objects like paper and boxes. |
| they can do. If the child is able to express | | | | 8) Use any outdoor spaces that are available. Fresh |
| preferences it will be easier for you do find an | | | | air and exercise give a child the opportunity to |
| activity that suits there mood or temperament. | | | | release energy whilst having fun. |
| 2) Allow the child some independence to do things | | | | |