Have you ever noticed that when your toddler opens a gift, they sometimes toss it aside but have hours of fun playing with the cardboard box? As parents, we often overdo it when it comes to toys. We spend lots of money on the brightest, shiniest toy because we assume it is the best option. In fact, the best toy for your child is often the simplest one. The simpler the toy, the more it can stimulate your child’s imagination. Your little one can transform it into whatever they want – the possibilities are endless!
Who remembers sitting on the floor by your parent and playing with pots and pans? For many of us growing up in the 80’s, everyday household objects provided hours of endless fun. We know that when children play, they are exploring, discovering their interests and making sense of the world around them. We also know that children’s play has a positive impact on all areas of their development. It is a safe space for them to learn and practice their physical skills and abilities, language and communication skills, problem-solving, creativity and empathy.
Before rushing out to buy new toys for your baby or toddler, look around your home for safe, appropriate household objects that they could play with. Using household objects will provide lots of opportunities for your child to explore, learn and discover at very little or no cost. For example, when your baby holds a metal spoon, watch and see what happens. As they become familiar with the spoon, their curiosity becomes stimulated. They may start to move the spoon from one hand to the other. They may drop the spoon and pick it up again, taste it, use it to make noise, empty and fill with it, feed themselves and gaze into their reflection. All this exploration supports your child to figure out what this object is, what it can do, and what it can become as they play with it.
Babies are fascinated by their surroundings, especially people’s faces and bright colours. A simple light-weight colourful scarf can be used with your baby to play peek-a-boo, hiding games or in dress up. Toddlers love to play with objects that encourage problem-solving, sorting and imaginative play. Using a wooden paper towel holder with curtain rings will provide opportunities for your child to sort and arrange the rings onto the holder. This type of play will encourage development of your child’s thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
There are lots of play opportunities at home for your child using objects from the home. However, remember to always supervise your child as they play. Take some time to put some items together in a basket and sit with your little one as they explore these treasures. Playing together in this way is a lovely way to connect with your child, getting to know who they are and what they like as they play.
Here are some examples of household objects your child can use in play:
Pots, pans & lids – Using pots and pans children get to explore rhythm, emptying, filling and sorting.
Metal & wooden spoons – Exploring the spoons, holding, lifting, feeding, filling.
Plastic / metal bowls – Filling, emptying, hiding, pouring, stacking.
Cloths/ scarves – Touching, wrapping, covering, hiding, peek-a-boo, dress-up.
This article was contributed by a member of ABC Start Right in PAUL Partnership. ABC Start Right is part of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support organisations.
