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Imaginative and creative play is not only a wonderful way for children to have fun, it is also a very natural way for children to learn about the world.  This type of play involves a child’s whole body: physically, mentally and socially.  Actively using their large and small muscles as well as their different senses in play, children develop healthy, strong, and complete neurological connections in their brains.

This article will help parents with some ideas on how to set up imaginative and creative play activities for their 3 – 10 year-old children that will encourage healthy development.

When parents begin to play with their children in a child-directed way, they may have some initial questions and concerns with this way of playing.  Let me just say again, this is a very normal!  A common question that parents often have when they begin to play with their children in a child-directed manner is, “What happens if my child wants to do something unsafe or destructive?”  Let’s have a closer look at this common question.

Why can’t I get my child interested in child-directed play with me? When parents begin to play with their children in a child-directed way, they may encounter some initial difficulties and concerns with this way of playing.  This is a very common and normal situation because you and your child are just getting used to interacting in a different way than you have been in past.

Why Identify My Child’s Feelings?

Helping your child learn about feelings (emotions) is something that every parent can do. When children have a good “feelings vocabulary,” they will be able to notice and to identify a variety of different feelings both in themselves and in others.

Parents play many important roles in their children’s lives. Some examples are caregiver, protector, play partner, teacher, disciplinarian, and nurturer. When we are in our nurturer role, we provide unconditional love and affection to our children. We provide emotional warmth. We become empathic supporters of our children, striving to understand their inner worlds.