It may sound strange, but just 15 minutes on the floor with your little one can actually solve sleep problems, help with feeding and prevent temper tantrums. I believe that due to our busy lives and frenetic lifestyles, many adults have forgotten how to play and ‘just be’ with their baby.
Play and spending quality time doing very little are simple secrets to engaging with your child.
Set aside 15 minutes every day – make it a discipline
Turn off your cell phone and put down your tablet – completely away
Go to a special space with a box of simple toys – a kit of 5 toys is enough – a few blocks, a car, a dolly, a book and a toy cup can be enough to invite a wonderful play session
Sit on the floor with your little one and Watch, Wait and Wonder:
WATCH him and do nothing
WAIT for him to invite you to join in – he may look at you or hand you a toy
WONDER at the amazing games your little one brings to your time together.
Here are some developmentally stimulating & age appropriate games that you can play with your
6 – 12 month old:
Roll the ball: Roll a soft, brightly coloured ball to your baby and show him how to stop it and push it back to you.
Naming body parts: Play naming games with your baby. Point to his nose and say, “nose.” Do the same with his eyes, hands and toys.
