Replace screentime for good
A child is a ‘young scientist.’ Children love to create and explore their surroundings, trying to make sense of their world. It is crucial not to limit their creativity and potential by limiting them to screen time. Any activity at this age needs to be engaging and interactive. Here are some age-appropriate activities that will keep your little one entertained and engaged. Few ways to engage preschoolers without sans screen can include:
Clay/Playdoh
Playing with clay is so much fun. It helps our kids in letting their creative juices flow. Make sure that the play doh you use are free of plastic and toxic material. This will help in gross and fine motor skills while helping creative expression.
Free movement exercises/ Dance party
Children love to engage in physical activity at this age and it’s important to let out their excess energy through dance and movement. It will also help to sleep better as they spend their energy doing the jumps and hops.
Dress up/ pretend play
Engaging and mimicking the social environment is an essential part of the learning process and developing language skills of kids. Keep a box of strips of unstitched clothes in various colors. This will help your kid dress up as a carrot or a sheep and play on their own without asking for your phone.
Paper folding
“Don’t you remember how fun it was to make paper boats and aeroplanes? Why don’t you teach them to your kids too? Using simple techniques to fold paper or doing very basic origami can enhance motor skills and can even help with basic geometric concepts,” says Ruchi Sharma, Clinical Psychologist, Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka.
Reading
Children as old as 6 months can begin to understand picture books and reading is a skill which can be started at an early age. Use simple picture books and books with short stories. It will keep them engrossed.
Helping at home
Engaging a child in simple tasks helps them learn skills in a non instructive way in a fun environment. Simple ways to help at home could be asking to put toys back in the box or helping to arrange utensils.
Also Read: How strict parenting changes your child (not for good)
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