Power Of Play: Goal!

I am so very very excited to announce a new monthly feature here on TMH.  I am even more excited to introduce you to the Mama who will be delivering it.  Drum roll please…..

Power of play with Tina, on the second Wednesday of every month. What is power of play?  The best way for me to describe it is by the way I finally understood it.

I was at my son’s two year check up when my doctor asked about his behavior, and I proceeded to tell him what any parent with a two year old would say when asked this question.  He then asked me how our days went.  Deer in the headlights.  What did he mean?  Well, what do you do with him all day?  I gave him a rundown – we read some, we eat some, we go outside some, we dance a little – you know the basics.  He said that sounded great, and to make sure I played with him for at least fifteen minutes a day, uninterrupted. To which I reply “Of course!  I play with him all day.”

On the drive home I thought how ironic his advice was since my neighbor had just been given the same lecture by her two year old’s doctor.  Later that day talking with Aubrey, her doctor had talked about the same thing, and we discussed how odd it was to us that a doctor should have to remind a parent to play with their child.  When we hung up I began to think about the time I actually played with my son.  It was true, I did play with him throughout the day, he demanded my attention at this age.  But I couldn’t say it was uninterrupted,  or always thoughtful play.  Most of the time I was thinking of things I needed to get done while sitting next to him playing, or the phone would ring, or I would kick the ball for five minutes, pat myself on the back and sit to read a book.

Then I found Tina and her power of play posts, and it clicked.  She put it in a way that made me realize that is when my son learns best, when I play with him.  Not next to him, not watching him, with him. It was an ah ha moment for me, and all I needed was fifteen minutes.

As for her and her blog, I love both.  She is known to toss in a cuss word now and then, so if you can’t stand the heat stay outa the kitchen…but she makes me laugh, makes me think, and tells me a good story – all the things I look for in a blog…and friend really.  It is an honor to have her here, and I hope you can give her a warm welcome!

So without further ado….

Power of Play:  Gooooooal!

Play is a child’s language.  It is their means of experiencing the world around them.  Children learn about how to function in all their future relationships through play with their parents.  When talking with parents about the importance of play, I usually discuss the message play creates.  Engagement play sends the message to the child “I notice you and you are special and unique. We are together”.  Challenge play sends the message “You can do it!”   Structure play sends the message “I take care of you.  I am in charge, and I am playful”.  The following activity involves challenge, structure and engagement play.  When engaging in play with your kids, do your best to be truly present.  Let go of a need to control or “teach a lesson”.  This is play…just let it happen.  There are really only 3 rules when it comes to families and play: No hurts, stick together, have fun! Given that the World Cup is upon us, I thought I would kick off the Power of Play with something appropriate.  I am so excited to be invited to do this little post and I hope you enjoy it!

Activity: Cotton ball soccer

Ages: 3 and up

Materials needed: an adult, a kiddo and a cotton ball (a straw can be used as well)

Goal: increase self esteem, improve child’s response to limits, increase impulse control, HAVE FUN!

Directions: Using a table, sit across from your child and create a circle by holding hands.  The area in the circle is your “field”. Start by placing one cotton ball in the middle of your field.  This ball is your soccer.  The adult creates a “go” word.  For example, “When I say peanut butter…”. When the adult give the “go” word, the child and parent simultaneously try to blow the cotton ball off the table of the person opposite of them.  You can improve impulse control by giving a false “go” word.  If the word is peanut butter, I might say “penguins!” “pasta!”  before finally saying “peanut butter”. This helps them learn cue in.  For little ones, blowing can be hard, and a straw can be used to blow the cotton ball (no field needed). Giggle and repeat.  Shout “GOOOAL!” as necessary.

Have a playful day!

Best,

Tina

Tina is a full time working mom.  She is a mental heath therapist (LSCSW) and registered play therapist supervisor (RPT-S).  She is married to an incredibly tolerant and patient dude and has “just one” adorable tot.  She laughs too loud, talks too much and usually creates a scene.  She can be found writing on Bull in a China Shop in her spare time.