Play is actually really important for your little one’s development because this is how they learn.
You see, babies and toddlers learn through experiences.
As they experience new people, places, things, and scenarios, these experiences are food for their rapidly growing little brains.
To put it differently, kids need hundreds of exposures to learn new words or concepts. Unless it’s through play, then they only need 10.
That’s incredible! And it shows how impactful playtime is for our little ones.
But it’s hard to find a play routine that works for you.
Even though we know playtime is important, it can be really hard to master playtime and figure out what works best in your routine.
Let me ask you this:
Do you ever get bored with your baby or toddler play routine and find yourself doing the same activities day after day? Or do you ever search for activities ideas and then feel super overwhelmed at the thought of setting these up? Maybe there are even days when you find yourself counting the minutes until naptime because you just don't have the energy to think of more ways to keep your little one busy this afternoon?
If you said yes to any (or all three) of these, I totally hear you. In fact, I’ve been there too.
As I’ve worked on my play routine with my little one and coached thousands of other parents on creating impactful play routines, I’ve come to an important conclusion:
Playtime is supposed to be fun for you and your baby.
To play literally means to engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
This means that playtime is supposed to be FUN. And I strongly believe that means playtime should be fun for your baby and for you.
Because when playtime is stressful, it’s hard for you to enjoy it.
And that’s why I’m such a big fan of simplifying play, so you can love playtime just as much as your baby.
By following your baby’s lead, you simplify your role in playtime and take the pressure off creating the perfect play routine each day.
Better yet, by taking things back to the basics, you can focus on simple, impactful play.
Because who doesn’t want simple, stress-free play that boosts milestone development, helps you connect more deeply with your little one, and that you actually look forward to each day?
Sounds pretty great, right?
Keep reading for more play tips to completely transform your play routine.