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Stages of Play - How to Help Children Develop Social Skills
Children love to play, and if you are thinking that your child is just doing something random to kill his time, well, that is not the case. A child can learn a great deal about imagination and creativity in various stages of life. It has also been proved and well documented that games play an important role in a child’s overall development. Let us acquaint you more with the concept of play as we discuss various stages of play and also talk about how it helps develop a child’s social skills.
Important Stages of Play in Your Child's Development
Every parent wants their child to grow up to be a responsible and well-adjusted adult, who should have meaningful friendships and relationships in his life. For this, we need to teach them about social skills. But how do you do that? The first thing to remember is that these skills are not genetic, i.e., your child is not born with them, hence your child will need to acquire these skills. And you can help a great deal in helping your child to achieve the same. Here are the important stages of play and the ages associated with it.
1. Unoccupied Play
This stage usually begins from birth until your baby is two years of age.
How it Helps
Have you ever seen your little munchkin just lying there and doing nothing? Well, for you he may just be lying around, but in reality, he tries to observe the things around him. It may appear that babies or young children do not do much, but they do. Your baby might be engrossed in connecting the dots in his mind. He may be trying to place things and trying to relate them to each other. At this stage, the only social interaction that your baby may be doing is smiling at parents. However, all the observation and exploration may help in laying the foundations for the next stage.
2. Independent or Solitary Play
Kids who are between one and three years of age indulge in solitary play. Solitary play means that a child may play alone with his toys.
How it Helps
At this stage, your kiddo may be engrossed in playing solo with his toys or other objects. Parents may sometimes wonder that why their baby is not indulging in playing with their siblings or other children. But kids at this stage may not notice or pay heed to others while they are engrossed in a play. By this age, a baby's cognitive and motor skills start developing. He may also be working towards polishing his social skills. This stage is important in a child’s life because it teaches a child the importance of being happy and content in one’s own company.
3. Onlooker or Spectator Play
This stage usually occurs in a child in his toddler years, but this can also occur at any stage in a child’s life.
How it Helps
In this stage, a child usually learns by observing other children or his elder siblings. He may or may not play with them, but he may a keen interest in looking at the things or activities other children do. This usually happens when the child is a little shy and hesitant of other people. He may not be aware of how to get into playing with someone else. At this stage, a child is not aware of what is expected of him or what are the rules of the games, etc. These things may worry him, hence he may not indulge in playing with his peers. However, at this stage, he grasps through observation.
4. Parallel Play
This stage of play is usually seen in children between the age group of 2.5 to 3.5 years of age.
How it Helps
Parallel play is when a child plays in the same room full of other children but not with each other. In this stage, a child may play with the same toys or even do the same things as others but not together. This is the age, where children learn about social behaviour and also about social maturity. This lays the foundation for the later stages of play too.
5. Associative Play
This stage of play is prominently seen in kids between 3 to 4 years of age.
How it Helps
This is the stage where children start playing close to each other, but their goals may not be the same. Kids like to play around each other, however, they may not be playing with each other. For example, your child may play in the park which has other kids as well, but he may not play with them. All of them may do different kinds of activities. This stage helps a child to work on his problem-solving abilities and language development. It also teaches him about cooperation.
6. Cooperative Play
This stage of play is observed in children from 4 to 6 years of age.
How it Helps
Around this stage, children become interested in playing with other children or a group of children. At this stage, a child gets interested in what and who he is playing with. This stage of play can be aptly called the culmination of all the stages of play because all the skills learned from previous stages are put into action. This helps the child in learning a great deal about social interaction.
The role of 6 stages of play in child development cannot be undermined, therefore, support your kiddo through these stages to help him learn better.
Tips to Support Your Child Through Six Stages of Play
Following are some tips to support your child through six stages of play.
1. Get the Right Toys for Your Child
Learning would be more fruitful if the child plays with age-appropriate toys. Get the toys that are suitable for him. And show him how to use and play with toys.
2. Give Social Exposure
Take your child out to help him interact with children of his age. This may help your child learn more about social skills.
3. Observe Your Child’s Transition
Your child would make the transition from one stage to another, make sure he is doing it right. If you notice that on reaching 4 years of age, your child is not playing with other children, encourage him to play with his peers. If your child does not show any signs of social interaction, seek professional help for the same.
Let your child explore the world around him while he indulges in various stages of play! This will help him develop his social skills and his motor and cognitive skills as well.
Also Read:
Social and Emotional Development in Child
Games That Help Social Development in Kids
Importance of Play in Your Child Development Read more
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Why you Should Eat Organic when Pregnant
The world is going organic, and you should too - especially when you're pregnant. Plan a healthier diet for yourself and your baby with organic products. Fruits, veggies, dairy, milk - get on board and be on your way to better health.
There's no better time to start eating healthy than when you're pregnant. With the body undergoing so many changes, you need to make sure that you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy, and even after delivery. Consumption of organic products can help pregnant women in a big way.
What's The Deal with Organic Products?
You may wonder what the fuss is about organic products. Is it really what it's cracked up to be? The answer is yes. Not only are they good for you, they're good for the environment too. Natural fertilisers replace chemical-based ones, giving rise to healthier foods. Also, the soil is less contaminated while biodiversity sees a boost. Organic products don't contain food additives, and even if they do, they're in restricted amounts. The best way to ensure that the food is organic is by looking at certification labels.
Of course, organic products have their downsides too, one of which is higher cost. Organic farming is more time-consuming, and the crops are prone to damage since pesticides aren't used. It is, therefore, a lot more intensive, which drives up the cost. Organic products are also likelier to spoil sooner as they don't contain or contain a very small amount of preservatives. But, it's a small price to pay when compared to your health and that of your baby's.
Benefits of Organic Products
When you eat organic produce, you reduce the risk of chemicals passing to your baby, in utero. Eating produce that's in season will also help you and your child reap the benefits of vitamins, fibre, folic acid and potassium, found in fruits and veggies. This is because in-season foods are much fresher than off-season ones. Make it a point to ask your local grocer which foods are in season, when you go shopping.
A Word of Caution
Don't rush to buy something just because it's labelled organic. A product may be organic, but it may also contain plenty of calories or salt. Fresh foodstuffs should top your shopping list, followed by packaged foods whose ingredients list is carefully scrutinised. Even meat, eggs and dairy products should be carefully chosen. If you can't find any organic food in your local market, at least try to purchase it from shops you trust. Remember to wash everything well to remove dirt and germs. Peel fruits and veggies if necessary, although you'll lose out on some vitamins and fibre this way.
Put These on Your Shopping List
While it's difficult to go fully organic without spending a bundle, do try to buy these foodstuffs. Dark leafy veggies, broccoli, capsicum, tomatoes and peas are a few top picks. Mangoes, apples, oranges and melons should be included in your list of fruits. In grains, choose whole grain or whole wheat items. Yoghurt, milk, and cheese are what you should try to pick from dairy products. As for meat, don't limit yourself to only white meat. Red meat is also recommended.
Change the way you eat and drink with the help of organic products, during pregnancy. Don't let the cost dissuade you from revamping your diet. You may spend more, but you'll enjoy the benefits of food that's produced through better farming methods. Read more
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Expecting Mom due in 2 months
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Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
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14 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
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Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
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13 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
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Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
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A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
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A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
8 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreAbhaya Rajput
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A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a gynaecologist and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
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Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
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A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
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