CHILDREN’S HEALTH KEEPING INDOOR PLAY CHILD-PROOF
Playing out in the snow may be tempting or you may just feel tired of being stuck outside. But if it’s just too cold for your kids to get out and play, don’t worry. Indoor play can be just as enriching, and as active.
“Using their imagination helps children develop their brain,” says Melissa King, DO, pediatrician at Dayton Children’s Pediatrics and director of the Healthy Me program. “Children learn to think creatively, problem solve and develop reasoning and motor skills during free play.”
For younger kids, mom and dad may have to help at first, by suggesting ideas or leading the play. Little kids may love to have a dance party in the living room with mom or dad. Draw pictures or do a craft. Make shadow puppets with a flashlight and have them direct the action. Have your children pretend to be their favorite animals and act out their motions.
“Parents who share this free play time with their kids are being supportive, nurturing and productive,” says Dr. King.
Dr. King also cautions parents about too much screen time “Young children learn best from interactions with humans, not screens. Unstructured play time is more valuable for the developing brain than electronic media.” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, screen time should be limited to one hour or less per day.
As children get older, playing with friends helps to promote healthy social and emotional development. “They learn how to cooperate, when to lead and when to follow, and how to solve problems,” says Dr. King. Having board games, cards, balls, blocks or costumes handy can help a group of kids come up with inventive things to do when it’s too cold to go outside.
As with all play, it is especially important to consider safety indoors. A small child is eye level with door knobs, table corners and bookshelves. Also consider age appropriate toys for independent play.
■ Consider your child’s age when purchasing a toy or game. Read the instructions and warning labels to make sure it’s just right for your child.
■ Before you’ve settled on the perfect toy, check to make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards.
■ Keep a special eye on small game pieces that may be a choking hazard for young children. While these kinds of games are great for older kids, they can pose a potential danger for younger, curious siblings.
■ After play time is over, use a bin or container to store toys for next time. Make sure there are no holes or hinges that could catch little fingers.