We have spent a lot of time providing day care for children in Queens Park and other Perth suburbs. We specialise in learning through play and have seen firsthand how easily children can look at ordinary objects and see extraordinary things in their imaginations.
Children learn and develop through play. Luckily, parents don’t need to buy expensive toys for their children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, because there are plenty of ordinary objects that work just fine.
Children love to emulate their parents. This makes any household object a natural toy for a baby or toddler. It is important to make sure children don’t play with objects or appliances that are dangerous or small enough to be choking hazards, but right now your house is full of “toys,” even if you haven’t intentionally bought your child even one toy from the store.
Children will prefer to play with their parents until they become of school age. This is great for bonding and it is also economical because it is free. There are numerous free activities you can participate in with your child.
Newborns and Babies
Always remember: your baby’s favourite “toy” is you. The sound of your voice, your touch, rocking your child or singing to them is all the entertainment a baby really needs most of the time. Taking your baby outside exposes him or her to a plethora of sounds, sights and smells. The outdoor air feels different on their skin, too.
Playtime with babies is fun for both the child and the parent and should be done every day. All of the typical joys such as blowing raspberries on your baby’s belly, playing with their fingers and toes, singing to them and reading to them are great activities.
Toddlers
Make a toy shaker as a percussion instrument. Pots, pans and wooden spoons make great drums. Pegs and a peg container can occupy a toddler for hours. You can cut and decorate pieces of cardboard or you can let your child decorate them.
Call a Cuddles Childcare Centre Near You
To learn more, call the Cuddles Childcare Centre closest to you.