5 Valuable Tips for Enhancing Your Child's Development Through Play

Play is how children explore the world around them, develop social skills, and learn about themselves. Children are naturally curious and imaginative, and play allows them to explore the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

Play is an essential part of children's development, and it has been shown to have a significant impact on their emotional and cognitive growth. Playful parenting is becoming increasingly popular because it is a way for parents to engage with their children and support their development in a fun and interactive way. When children engage in play, they are learning important social and emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Here are some ways that parents and teachers can encourage play and help children develop to their fullest potential.
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1. Encourage imaginative play

Children have amazing imaginations, and by giving them the space and materials to play, you are helping them to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills. Whether it's building a fort out of blankets or creating a story with action figures, imaginative play allows children to explore their own ideas and develop their own solutions.
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2. Make time for outdoor play

Not only does outdoor play help children develop their gross motor skills and improve their physical health, but it also encourages them to engage with nature. Whether it's climbing trees, playing tag, or simply exploring the world around them, children can learn so much from being outside and experiencing the world first hand.

3. Play with your child

It's also important to play with your child. Playing together not only helps to build a strong bond, but it also helps to develop their social skills and emotional intelligence. Whether it's playing a game of catch, practicing partner poses, or doing a puzzle together, taking the time to play with your child can have a big impact on their development.
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4. Use play as a teaching tool

Play can also be used as a teaching tool. By using play to teach new concepts and skills, you can make learning fun and engaging for your child. Whether it's playing a game to learn math or using puppets to teach language skills, incorporating play into learning can help your child develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

This is also why children's yoga has so many playful elements involved. Yoga can help children develop mindfulness, self-awareness, and relaxation skills, which are all important for managing stress and anxiety. By incorporating playful elements like animal poses, songs, and games, children's yoga becomes a fun and engaging way for children to learn these skills.
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5. Make time for play

It's important to make play a priority in your child's life. With busy schedules and endless distractions, it can be easy to forget the importance of play. But by making play a priority, you are helping your child to develop into a well-rounded, happy individual.

As a tired and busy parent myself, I know how hard it can be to tap into our own playful sides. But by taking the time to play with our children and encouraging their imaginative play, we are helping them to develop to their fullest potential. So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and go and play? Your child (and your inner child) will thank you!
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Need some inspiration?

Those who know me would be able to tell you that I am passionate about teaching children how to care for their well-being. I do this through playful games and fun activities. In my membership Family Yoga Game Night I include imaginative play, connecting with nature, playing with each other, playing as a teaching tool and I help even the busiest of families make time for play! 

​Incorporating imaginative play into your yoga sessions is a fantastic way to engage children's minds and keep them interested in what they're doing. By encouraging them to use their imaginations, you're also helping them to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills, which will serve them well throughout their lives.

You'll never be short of playful ideas, as each month you'll get access to a collection of games, mindful practices and yoga sequences. Perfect for your home practices or for teachers to use in their lesson plans. 

Enrolment is now open!

Let's Play!

What is Family Yoga Game Night?

Discover how to effortlessly manage stress and anxiety, create and maintain healthy family routines, and connect with other parents in a supportive community.
This is your opportunity to finally address the challenges of raising emotionally intelligent children in a meaningful way, with the guidance and accountability of experienced children's yoga teachers.
This is the only online course that offers age-appropriate activities and resources for children aged 4 to 12, while also empowering parents to develop emotional regulation skills and let go of societal expectations.
Join us and discover the transformative power of practicing yoga and mindfulness with your children. 

Click here to see what is included in Family Yoga Game Night.

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Other resources

Three games you can play with your children while laying down

Stop forgetting names with these 6 games

Yoga games your children will love

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