We believe that one of the moments we can't miss is playing with the little ones. Seeing their reaction, their participation, their ability to surprise us with some gesture and, above all, realising their growth and development. It makes us feel that time passes too quickly, but that we are always there to see these small and important evolutions.
Nowadays, when we talk about the games we play with the little ones, there are many topics that can generate agreement or disagreement. Whether it's the way in which play is carried out, the toys used or whether at some point the play includes mobile devices, which end up absorbing a large part of the little ones' attention.
We understand that there can be this kind of debate, given the reality we live in and the fact that young people have access to everything at an increasingly early age. This can be beneficial, because they are aware of everything that is going on and can prevent it. On the other hand, it can be harmful, because early use can lead to addiction and overuse of the various devices we can get these days.
Today's post is intended to help us understand how we can slow down the use of these devices and, in addition, to make the little ones aware of alternatives that could take on a new importance. This time, we're talking about types of play that can be more fun and develop new ways of stimulating children.
So we wanted to look for alternatives that would be fun to do with our babies, trying to avoid creating the habit of staring at a screen (or at least making it as late as possible).
We all know that time spent in front of the television or other devices can have negative effects on children, such as creating unhealthy habits - weight gain or disrupting their sleep and nap patterns. To avoid this situation, we've looked up some examples of interactive activities, so that we can have a good time playing and having lots of fun with the little ones.
Something we've learnt is that, from the age of 6 months, babies show greater agility, which allows them to show that they can do things that were impossible a while ago. Movements such as raising their hands and knees, rolling over or being able to sit up are signals to parents that their development of strength, motor coordination and social skills is just beginning. Giving your little one time for the activities they need, as opposed to sitting in front of a screen, will provide the perfect opportunity for them to move, play and explore the world around them.
A good idea would be to set up a space on the floor of your home that's big enough for your little one to fuss, roll around and explore freely and safely. One thing we can guarantee - the more fun the activity is, the longer your baby will want to play alone or with you.
So let's see what the alternatives are:
1st suggestion: Instead of switching on the television in the living room, we can start the typical game of lying down on the floor next to the baby, allowing the little one to support him in his various attempts to get up.
2nd suggestion: Instead of grabbing the first electronic device, we can go and get the baby's favourite toy box. We create a very special scenario, place their toy a little out of reach and encourage them to move from their back to their tummy so that they can try to reach it.
3rd suggestion: Instead of keeping our little one quiet in a chair, pram or sunbed, we can encourage them to sit on their own. One example would be to fill a bottle with grains of rice for them to shake, allowing them to realise what is happening, the sounds and textures.
4th suggestion: Instead of leaving the television on all day, we can do what's known as tummy time. Babies love it, especially when we hide something under the blanket so they can go and find it and move around.
Basically, what we've learnt from our research is that, at this early stage in our babies' lives, it's important to give them these alternatives, to avoid them becoming totally absorbed in electronic devices and because the moments we spend with them will make all the difference to the future of the baby, the parents and their relationship.
At this time, the parents will be the role models, so they'll have to be vigilant. We hope you find these ideas useful, fun and that one of them becomes your son or daughter's favourite.
What about you? How's play at home? Are you creative or do you stick to a well-defined set of games? How do your little ones react? What developments have been most evident? We want to know your experience. We want to know your opinion.
