Great play guide for toddlers

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Although toddlers may prefer playing with other children than playing alone. However, while kids who have fun together can be scrambled for toys and toddlers, it's also hard to play cooperative games. What is a great play for toddlers?

1. Does your toddler want to play with other children?

Toddlers can be aware of the social world around them to some extent, they perceive relationships as their friends and acquaintances. However, children always think that they are the center of that world, they vaguely know that there are other people interested in them but do not know how people think or feel. Children always think that everyone will think about everything the same way they do.
A toddler's way of seeing the world like this often makes it difficult for him to play with other children. The child will play with other children but compete with each other for toys. And kids can hardly play games that require cooperation.
Baby will love being around and watching kids carve, especially kids who are a bit older. Children can imitate the actions of other children. Children may treat other children the same way they do with dolls such as combing their hair, etc. But they will be surprised or protested when other children do the same to them.
Share is a meaningless term to a toddler. Children this age believe they deserve attention. Children are self-centered, so fighting for toys and attention is common and can lead to fights.
Toddlers begin to show possessiveness towards toys they know are theirs. If another child takes his toy, or even just touches it, he will react immediately, he may rush over and take the toy back.
Children at this age have very little awareness of other people's emotions. Even when babies explore or show affection, they may poke each other in the eye or pat one another too hard. When children are upset, they may hit or slap without realizing that they are hurting other children.
Therefore, when children play together, you need to be alert, always yell at them, pull them out when they show discomfort to prevent them from fighting, and at the same time redirect them to friendly ways of playing. than.

2. Great way to play for toddlers

2.1. Schedule an appointment for your child to play with you

Take cues from your child: To find out who could be a good playmate for your baby, see which babies he seems to be attracted to in daycare or on the playground. If your child is old enough to express an interest, ask him who he wants to play with. Toddlers can play with other children who are not necessarily the same age. Pairing children of different ages has a number of advantages: older children can instruct younger children how to play, and children can enjoy being "older children".
The relationship between you and the other child's parents or caregivers will also affect the children's relationships. If the parents of the children have different parenting styles and disciplines, their children are unlikely to have a chance to play together.
Limit play dates for a child's friend at a time. Otherwise, it can make the child feel left out and share toys much more difficult. Limit playtime: One hour is good for the first time kids play together, and two hours is enough for kids who are good friends to play together. Be prepared to end playtime early if either child is tired or cranky. Prepare the right snacks for each child: Playtimes are often incomplete without snacks, so it's always better to ask other parents in advance whether their child has allergies or sensitivs with any food or not. At the same time, it also helps you know what other children like to eat.

2.2. Prepare for a day of play with the kids

Put away your child's favorite toys: Children will not be generous enough to be able to share their most cherished toys with other friends. Before your baby's friends arrive, put away toys that you know your child might not want to share with other children. Offer toys that are easy to share: Like a train set, blocks or play dough are toys that are easy for children to share with their friends. You can also prepare toys that your child won't be afraid to share with others. But don't be surprised if your child suddenly tries to claim a neglected toy as soon as another child is interested in it. Get ready for a break: You also need to plan a quiet activity like a book to read together in case the kids need time off.

2.3. Organize activities for children's play day

Start having fun together: Take a moment to get the kids involved in a shared activity like building blocks or playing with a toy car. If both children are under 2 years old, they will likely prefer to play alone rather than together. This doesn't mean that the fun day you put out will go bankrupt. The simple way is to let these children play side by side to help them develop important social skills.
Give your child options: Set up some simple play activities the kids can choose from. For example, place paper and crayons or finger paint, or stock up on a sandbox with a shovel and crate for the kids to play with. Stay close to your baby: Toddlers are just learning to interact with each other, so you and the parents of other children should stay close and help them when they need a little guidance. Not only can you monitor them to make sure they're safe, but you can also see if it's time to change the behavior. Clean up the play area before you go: Help the kids clean up after finishing one activity before moving on to the next so you're not left with a big mess after your kids' play day.

2.4. Resolve conflicts between children

Let your kids try to solve their own problems: While you keep an eye on your kids the entire time they're playing together, you shouldn't intervene at the first sign of trouble. If you wait a bit, the kids can figure it out on their own. Know when to intervene: If the kids keep arguing, a snack or a new activity can get things back on track. But if at any point the conflict escalates into physical aggression, it's time to step in and separate the kids. If children continue to fight, consider ending the play date earlier than planned. Acknowledge your child's positives: You should encourage and acknowledge your child's good behavior while they play together.

2.5. Say goodbye

Give fair notice to all kids: When it's almost time to end the playtime, tell the kids that their time together is coming to an end and give them a countdown notice. Keep Goodbyes Short: When it's time to say goodbye, don't linger. If either child is upset about the breakup, prolonging the breakup will only prolong their tears. Say a quick goodbye and end the day of fun.

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References: babycenter.com, healthychildren.org