Helping Children Play – The Adult Role

Children’s involvement in play and physical activity depends on the influence of their parents and caregivers. These role models not only provide the necessary means for children to be active, they also influence children’s thoughts about activity through their actions and attitudes. It’s important to both play with children and allow them to play on their own. Always ensure the play environment is safe.

Active adult role models are important. When children see an adult doing an activity, their brain cells start to copy that action. Over time, this helps children learn to do what the adult does. When parents and caregivers take children outside, it’s good to be active with them. This teaches children that being active is fun.

How to help

Early childhood is when children learn by doing. They can only learn “to do” if they have the opportunity for active play. Parents and caregivers can help children play in a number of ways:

Setting the stage: This means ensuring a safe play space and safe toys for the child.

The space: Children need enough space to run around. Even when there isn’t much indoor space, pushing back the furniture to make room often works. This signals that it’s “time to play”.

Markings: A simple and cheap way to increase a child’s physical activity is to put markings on the floor. These can be chalk markings on the pavement, or masking tape on the carpet. Straight lines, squiggles or squares all work well. The children see the markings, and spend time walking along them, jumping over them and using them as part of their games.

Toys/equipment: Simple, basic equipment is often best. A few balls, a plastic bat or hockey stick, and a wheeled toy are more than enough. Cardboard boxes also work. Introduce toys that children can push and pull. Bright colours help, but aren’t necessary. It’s often better to put out a few toys, and change them every day, than to put everything out all of the time.

Joining in the play: Being active with children and having fun with them is crucial!

Be a retriever: Children learn with practice – if they are kicking a ball, get it back to them.

Repetition is good: Children love repetition. Be prepared to play the same thing repeatedly.

Chase and be chased: Take turns with children, chasing them and letting them chase (and catch) you. Learning to take turns is an important social skill best learned through physical play.

Leave them alone: When the child is really engaged in play on their own, let them be. Play doesn’t always have to be adult directed.

Actively supervise: Stay close by, pay close attention and anticipate risks.