How to play with your toddler

Why play matters

For a toddler, play is serious work. It’s how they practice the skills they need for everything else. When you play together, your child is learning:

• Social skills

  Connecting with another person, taking turns and following simple rules.

• Language

  Hearing words, copying sounds and trying new ones.

• Imagination

  Pretending, inventing stories and trying new ideas.

• Thinking skills

  Exploring the world around them and figuring out how things work.

You don’t need special toys or a plan. Relax, have fun, and give your child plenty of time for free play.

Getting started

1. 1
   Get down to their level

   Sit on the floor next to your child and watch for a minute. Notice what catches their interest before you jump in.

2. 2
   Stay close

   Being near each other helps your child feel safe. A gentle back rub or a big hug is part of play too.

3. 3
   Let them lead

   Copy their sounds and actions. If they bang a spoon, bang a spoon too. Let them be the boss of the game.

Keeping it going

1. 4
   Match their energy

   Try a quiet voice, a big excited voice or a sing-song one. Mirror how excited they are.

2. 5
   Slow down

   Give your child time to take things in and respond. New skills take longer, so wait a little before you help.

3. 6
   Build on their idea

   Join in, then add one small step. A tower of blocks can turn into a train, and the train can go to the park.

What to say

1. 7
   Keep words short and positive

   Describe what they’re doing (“Big tower!”, “Car goes fast!”) instead of giving directions or pointing out what isn’t working.

2. 8
   Praise a lot

   Cheer, clap, smile and hug. Plenty of praise and affection keeps your child wanting to play with you.

Reading the signs

1. 9
   Watch for “I’ve had enough”

   If your child turns away, closes their eyes or moves off, change what you’re doing until they’re back with you.

2. 10
   Repeat, then pause

   When something makes them laugh, do it again. Then stop and wait for them to show you they want more.

3. 11
   Don’t correct

   There’s no wrong way to play. The goal is to stay connected, not to play “correctly”.

4. 12
   Be silly

   Smile, laugh and be goofy. Your child will love it.