The Toy Chest

The foundation of an infants development is based on security and by attending to their needs and ensuring they are met, this allows babies to feel safe and secure. Play for infants is essential for brain development. This is their first form of learning. Talking to an infant and interacting with them allows them to recognize sound and emotion. Making faces and playing peekaboo allows them to learn about communication. Playing with a baby encourages physical development and for adults it releases endorphins that evoke a feel good, happy relaxed sensation.

 Play for toddlers is activities where they show and explore their abilities using imagination and learn decision making skills,  it is intensely enjoyable for them. At this stage little ones learn about the world they are in and about themselves and others. The toddler age range is from 1 year old to 3 years old, play at this stage is the universal language of childhood. Toddlers will copy others, role play, investigate, interrogate, dissect, build and so much more. so play is so much more than just playing. Toddlers need an environment that encourages play and exploration in a fun but safe way. Any thing and everything can become a toy at this stage.

Starting to play with others between the age of 4-8 is when play becomes more about playing and less about learning. Playing becomes precious time as now there is a separation between school and play time. Routine becomes more structured and building friendships is key in social interactions. Playing now involves games and skills that include taking turns, sharing, listening and sometimes sorting out disagreements. 

As a pre-teens we want to explore the world with out fear, trying new things alone, as long we have people around us that we feel safe with.  Interests start to form in sports and other activities, at this age there is no limit. From surfing, cooking, to crafting, to stamp collecting and music and arts. Enjoy this time together with your family and friends as the next stage can be a bit more challenging. 

Teen years can become very lonely as we branch off into our individual groups and segregate from others outside of these groups, we do this to feel accepted by like minded non judgmental others, this ensure teens can have fun or feel relaxed. While family may struggle to break through at this time, play is still prominent.  Teens feel a need to be the best and to win or succeed. So games that challenge each other are the order of the day. From board games to card games, options are endless. During this stage we usually find our passion and this can be in the form of a hobby or sport or games. 

While a lot of us don't like to admit it we adults are just young people trapped in older bodies. Life has given us responsibilities to put before play, however undeniably playing is still in our souls. Allowing ourselves to play will reduce stress, increase joy and release endorphins. We as adults usually play with people we feel comfortable around that we can let our guard down. Who do we play with? Partners, friends, family, our children and our pets.