Early start, promoting play at home

CEBU, Philippines - Sharing physical activities with your kids isn't just a good way to get your heart pumping and burn calories. It's also a great way to build family bonds. When you play tag, patentero, or hide and seek, you're creating memories your child will treasure someday-memories of times you spent laughing and simply enjoying each other's company. 

"Play is a magical time for kids and parents," says Dr. Steve Sanders, director at the University of South Florida in Tampa. It's a time when parents aren't thinking about other duties of the day and can spend one-on-one time with the child.

Kids also love to feel a sense of power and mastery, so it's critical to let them take the lead when you play. As parents, your role is to be a facilitator or guide to help your children learn about, refine, and improve physical skills. This will eventually create trust that carries over into other areas of your child's life. So allow your child to initiate the games you play together, whether it's crawling like a cat or making bubbles.

Here are some practical suggestions on how to promote play in the family:

L — Limit the use of technology

Guard and guide them. Give them specific time/schedule when to use the computer/psp.       Let them understand the pros/cons of using/not using them.

A — Arouse interest in real play

Engage your children in play that will increase the child's ability to self-direct, take  responsibility, and communicate well with others.

R — Remember that play is more than play

Explain to them the value they can get through play?that it is good for them in the present    and will help shape their future.

O — Organize a play-friendly house

Be sure that your house is danger-free from anything hazardous for your kids while             playing. It is also best to allow your children to mess up every now and then.

Sources: Herald and Melissa Cruz of Center for Family Ministries, Ateneo de Manila University      

Familyfitness.about.com

The FREEMAN and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. is running weekly features on Early Childhood Care and Development to emphasize the importance of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and to increase public support for ECCD. (FREEMAN)