GHK | Play and Movement for Toddlers

Play and Movement for Toddlers

Encouraging toddlers to move freely and play is important for building strength in muscles and bones. Play has an important effect on the development, learning, confidence, and well-being of young children. 

Types Of Play

The best type of play for young children is unstructured, free play. Free play is not planned and allows your child to use their imagination and move at their own pace.

Some play should be guided by an adult to help your child learn specific skills, for example water-based activities like swimming.

Spread out 3 hours of active play each day. Balance the rest of the day with calmer activities such as reading, singing, art, craft and sleep.

Benefits Of Play

As toddlers move more, they will get to know different parts of their body better. This helps them to test the limits of their abilities and improve balance and co-ordination.

Playing outside can help your child feel more confident in different environments and around others.

Playing with others from a young age can teach your child social and emotional skills like teamwork, negotiation, patience and communication.

Learn more about how play helps with development by watching this video from Raising Children Network.