Talents of Parenting: Playfulness
Parenting is not rocket science; disciplining your child, understanding his little actions and setting the right chemistry might seem a little hard in the beginning but adding a little playfulness to parenting can make communication easier and also lighten up the mood at home. Some parents are natural but most others need to hone their skills. But understanding your child’s feelings and responding to its needs just requires some patience and sincere effort.
Playfulness is fairly easy when the atmosphere is hunky dory, when everyone is in high spirits and there is no other pressure. Playfulness is much harder when you’re running late for work and your child is acting cranky over his breakfast, when you are discussing important issues over the phone and your baby starts yelling to get your attention, when everyone is not in their best moods or when you are juggling ten different things. In other words, playfulness is hardest when its most needed.
Playing With Your Child
Playfulness is a skill that can be honed if parents are ready to bring out the child in them. So forget your age, lighten up and pull some funny faces. Babies love watching the face so amusing them with some clown moves and animal sounds would bring that tinkling smile on them. Toddlers love anyone who crawls around with them so add more floor level activities; this is when the elephant moves come in handy. Preschoolers have an avid imagination; they love enacting situations so go ahead, dab some paint and be your batman’s joker. Girls love to play more homely games so help your little girl name all the dolls in her doll house and make sure you are on time if she invites you for a tea party with them. Little kids consider their super heroes as their idols or teddies as their best friends. So next time you want little son to take a shower just tell him that super man loves to shower or tell your little girl that teddy doesn’t like sitting in a dirty room. Playing with building blocks and also adding mind teasers and memory games to your child’s cart can be hugely beneficial. Encourage them to draw and color their imagination, who wouldn’t like to develop an artistic streak in their child?
Time should never be a constraint for playful parenting. If daddy can’t join his little ones for a game of soccer, how about a pillow fight at home? Laugh with them, be a part of their little world and tell them how much you care. This helps bridge the generation gap and foster a close intimate bond.
