Play and Bond

Parents, here’s why you should spend time to play with your kids

Parents, here’s why you should spend time to play with your kids

Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” My parents have always let me play, whether by myself with the latest gadgets or the art materials I could find at home or with the neighborhood kids. I was always playing. I was always exploring and pushing boundaries with what I could do with the limited resources I had back then. I also credit my resourcefulness to my dad, whom I used to watch tinkering with gadgets. He helped me with my school projects and watched over us as we opened new toys and try to figure out how to play with them.

When I became a parent myself, I unknowingly chose to buy and give toys that were either educational and/ or creative. One parent commended me with the prizes I prepared for our youngest child’s first birthday party. It was she who made me realize that I had always leaned toward toys that would encourage creative play and child development products.

Toys are toys, and they will be played. But how can play evolve into creative play? This is where parents come into the picture. My dad was there with us, either watching over us or playing with us, especially when it was a new toy. It is our job, as parents, to guide our children as they explore the worlds that they have imagined in their heads. I know we’re all busy, but trust me, you will be amazed as you listen to them talk about their made up stories during pretend play. These are priceless moments you will remember forever.

This Christmas, your kids will most likely be receiving a lot of toys. Don’t just let them play on their own. Let’s join the fun and be their playmates this holiday break. It’s time to create new core memories. Here are some tips to get the conversation started and get to know your children more.

I know we’re all busy, but trust me, you will be amazed as you listen to them talk about their make up stories during pretend play. These are priceless moments you will remember forever.