How To Play with Your Young Children

Many parents know play is important — but what most don’t realize is just how powerful it truly is.
We often think learning comes from writing letters, counting numbers, or practicing worksheets. But for young children, play IS learning.

Through play, children explore, problem-solve, imagine, create, communicate, and understand the world long before they can express it in words. Their brains are building connections every time they stack blocks, pretend to cook, run, climb, draw, or build.

Play is not a break from learning —
play is the foundation of learning.

And the best part?
Parents don’t need complicated tools or fancy activities. What children need most is connection, presence, and a willing partner in play.

Below are simple, meaningful ways to make playtime enriching and enjoyable for both you and your child.

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1. Relax and enjoy the moment

Play is not a task to complete — it’s a moment to share.
Let your child lead the activity. Follow their interests, match their energy, and show excitement in whatever they create. Your role is to encourage, observe, guide gently, and correct only when necessary.

If your child behaves inappropriately, calmly explain what went wrong and teach a better choice for next time. Children learn far more from patient guidance than from strict control.

2. Choose age-appropriate toys and materials

Young children naturally gravitate toward what’s right for their developmental stage.
Blocks, simple puzzles, cars, dolls, pretend food, crayons — anything safe and simple works. Their curiosity does the rest.

3. Ask open-ended questions

Open-ended questions invite creativity, thinking, and conversation. Try asking:

• What do you think will happen if…?
• Can you think of another way to…?
• What else can you build with those blocks?
• Where do you think this puzzle piece should go?

Questions like these strengthen language, reasoning, and imagination.

4. Encourage exploration, even when they struggle

Frustration is normal — and it’s a learning opportunity.
If your child is stuck, gently show another way to approach the problem. For example:

“If your tower keeps falling, try putting bigger blocks at the bottom. Want to try again?”

This teaches persistence, resilience, and problem-solving — core executive function skills.

5. Model good sportsmanship

As your child grows and begins playing board games or races, show them how to win and lose gracefully.

A good loser says:
“I had fun playing with you! Great job.”

A good winner says:
“That was a great game! Let’s play again soon.”

Children learn emotional control and cooperation by watching you.

6. If the activity isn’t fun anymore, pause

Play should be joyful for everyone involved — parent and child.
If either of you feels stressed, bored, or overwhelmed, it’s okay to stop and switch to something else.

Play is not about perfection — it’s about connection.

 

 

Help your child grow through play, curiosity, and loving guidance.
For more parenting tools and Executive Function strategies, visit www.mrmizrahi.com