Children love to play! Which is a good thing – considering it is one of the most important ways for children to gain the required knowledge and skills for their survival.

When a child plays, they are building important life skills central to their learning and development.

Play between a parent and child improves the physical and mental wellbeing of both.

Throughout the busy week, daily routines and chores can take over and you can find yourself having little time to play, laugh, have fun and be silly with you little one. Playful parenting is the key to cooperation as it is speaking to your child through an activity they can truly understand.

This is why we have come up with 5 quick and easy ways to incorporate being a more playful parent into your day.

1. As you’re going about your daily routine, make some time to tickle your toddler! And let them tickle you! Shake the day up by having a game of tickling.
2. Start your day by dancing and singing around the kitchen or room with your toddler to bring a light-hearted energy into your morning.
3. Play hide and seek with your toddler around the house for 10 minutes during the middle of the name.
4. While cooking or cleaning in the kitchen, let your toddler play with kitchen spoons, cups, pots or pans creating an interesting musical experience for them.
5. While getting dressed in the morning, spend an extra 15 minutes with your toddler playing with the clothes in the wardrobe and getting silly. Your toddler will love the different materials. You can play with accessories like scarves, gloves, shirts and dresses.

It is important to remember, having a loving, stable and responsive relationship is fundamental to your toddler’s development.

The more experiences your toddler has with you there to support them, the more your child grows and thrives.

When your child feels safe and attached to you, your child is more likely to have the confidence to explore their world. Playing with your toddler strengthens your relationship and encourages your toddler to explore, observe, experiment and solve problems.

If you have any concerns with your child’s development, you can find out more by accessing the Early Childhood Authority’s website at www.eca.gov.ae or contact the Child Health Line on 024194983. Operated by Mubadala Health (available 10:00 am -18:00 pm).

This initiative is a collaboration between the Early Childhood Authority, Mubadala and Mubadala Health