- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The Work of Play
A Mom Struggles to Learn Proper "Play" Technique
By Mary Kendall Brady
This type of play is fundamentally about companionship. We are forming a relationship, which is a mysterious, glorious process that has no formula. And this relationship does not happen in a vacuum. It involves relating both in the home and out in the world.
When asked what is her favorite way to play with her baby, a friend of mine says, "Taking a walk in town to window-shop or run errands, pointing out what we're seeing and doing and letting her smile at passersby and interact with shopkeepers and folks at the post office, grocery store and shops. I know a lot of people think it's a pain taking their kids out to do errands like this, but I think it's healthy and stimulating for her to see the real world this way." This interaction with the world not only shapes the baby, it shapes the world. As strangers begin to smile, your baby is already giving back to the world.
The work of play has another restorative benefit. It leads us into the forest of our imaginations. So while I thought playtime was about me imparting wisdom to my child, it turns out that my little Gabriel has been gently teaching me – teaching me to slow down, to be silent, to share my thoughts, to explore my imagination, to love and be loved. I find myself singing songs from Sunday school and in such a happy place of belovedness that I am no longer striving to entertain my son; I am living my life.
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
