INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CHILDREN
SPONSORED CONTENT
Make Time for Playtime!
Photos by Rob Frank and RJ Fiorenzo
At the expERIEnce Children’ s Museum, we believe that play is a powerful tool for families. Parents who take the time to play with their children set the stage for their children’ s ability to successfully play with peers. Play can bring you closer together, aid in your child’ s development and strengthen your parent-child bond that will last a lifetime.
While it is important for children to play alone or with other children, it is also important to play with parents or caregivers. Here are some helpful tips to encourage playtime in your family.
• Plan regular“ play” times. It may be for 20 minutes before dinner every night or every Saturday morning. Time spent playing together is benefiting both of you.
• Give your child your undivided attention. Turn off the TV and your cell phone and make the time to play without distraction. Having your undivided attention makes your child feel special.
• Get down to your child’ s level. That may mean getting down on your knees or sitting on the floor.
• Embrace repetition. Children learn through repetition. Let your child play the same game over and over. Your child will move on when he or she is ready.
“ It is a happy talent to know how to play”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Writer 1803-1892
• Let your child take the lead. During pretend play, let your child call the shots, make the rules, and determine the pace of play. Ask questions and follow along.
• Don’ t force play. The best way to teach a new skill is to show children how something works, then step back and give them a chance to try. When your child is tired of an activity, it’ s time to move on to something new.
Make time to visit the Children’ s Museum as a family!
The Children’ s Museum plays an important role in early learning for all children in our community. There’ s no shortage of research indicating the benefits of museum visits for children. They can provide memorable learning experiences, spark imagination, introduce unknown worlds and subject matter, and offer unique environments for quality time with family.
For more information please visit www. eriechildrensmuseum. org.
420 French Street | Erie, PA |( 814) 453-3743 | eriechildrensmuseum. org
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