Playing, Laughing & Learning With Children
Parenting is a role filled with many ups and downs as you and your children negotiate the stages of development together. You'll have times when you'll argue and occasions when you'll laugh. Recognizing hurdles is an important aspect of parenting, and building a strong bond with your child will help ease those transitions.
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Playing
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Play is an essential component of growth and development, according to the Women̵7;s and Children̵7;s Health Network. Children learn about the world they live in through play while also finding ways to manage their emotions. Additionally, play can help solidify the parent-child relationship while providing a relaxing and fun atmosphere for you both. Parents can play with children by getting down to their levels and allowing them to guide you through games of imagination. Spend time exploring together and talking to your child about what you are doing as you play throughout the day.
Laughing
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Laughing commonly goes with playing, connecting parents and children through a shared sense of humor and enjoyment of activities together. Developing a sense of humor can teach children how to be spontaneous and gravitate toward innovate thinking, according to KidsHealth.org. While children might laugh an average of 200 times per day, adults laugh less, which means your child can teach you something about laughter.
Learning
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Younger children are always learning, their natural curiosity propelling them forward on new adventures all the time, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. As children discover topics they are interested in, their desire to learn more strengthens. It is during these years that their enduring attitudes toward learning are formed. The NASP recommends nurturing a motivation to learn by providing an environment filled with toys and activities they can learn from, and allowing children the time to be persistent in their learning endeavors. This is where play and laughter can help foster a love of learning.
Loving
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A child with high self-esteem is going to have a stronger belief in her own abilities to achieve. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that in order to develop healthy self-esteem, children need to first have a sense of security, belonging and purpose. This can be accomplished by striving to make your child feel loved and accepted in your home. Taking time every day to play, laugh and learn together will help your child feel your love.
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