Play promotes positive feelings and experiences for both parent and child.

Encouraging child-led play will help them in their development.

Things to know:

Play supports the development of:

• Speech
• Language and communication
• Imagination
• Problem-solving
• Interaction
• Self-esteem
• Confidence building

Remember to give your child time to explore and lead the play without taking over.

Things to try:

• Get down to the same level as your child when playing.
• Listen to what your child is saying and doing.
• Follow your child’s lead in the play.
• Be a role model and encourage sharing and turn-taking.
• Praise and encourage your child as they play.
• Laugh, have fun and share your feelings of joy with your child.

For more information on helping your child to communicate, visit How can I help my child communicate with me? – BBC Tiny Happy People.

For more information on the importance of play for babies, visit Why is it important to play with newborns? – BBC Tiny Happy People.

For more information on how toddlers learn through play, visit How toddlers learn through play – BBC Tiny Happy People.