Inside Play

03-Jan-2012

When the weather has your tykes confined, try some of these activities to keep them moving.

 Parents—and teachers—may have noticed an increased whining and aggression of late. Then they remember that children need the stimulation and play opportunities that outside time provides.

When it’s just too cold or wet to get out, think of inside activities that fill the gap. Screen time won’t do it. Children may seem calm while focused on the TV or computer, but they’re not getting the physical or mental exercise that helps regulate their mood, appetite, and sleep patterns.

If your child is particularly physical and active, there may be no substitute for really moving her muscles. Design an indoor activity. Clear some furniture and have a dance party. Create a mini runway in the hall or living room and bring in a riding toy or pretend to fly on brooms in a witch race. Pull down some couch pillows and let very young children jump, or create an obstacle course for preschoolers to jump from “base” to “base” without touching the floor.

 go ahead, get messy

For some children, sensory play is the key. Mix up some playdough (recipe below) and provide a smooth surface for rolling and pounding. Other sensory activities include sand or water play. Sand can be in a small tub on the kitchen floor or in a baby pool—an indoor sandbox! The bathtub is a great place for water play—without a mess. Add some cups for pouring and plastic toys—you can even put your child in his bathing suit. Help babies and young toddlers get started by filling and pouring with the cups and pushing floating toys around in the water.

Sensory play (often known as messy play) develops learning styles by exercising multiple parts of the brain. For the same reason, it engages children longer. Sensory play allows children to play together, helps them relax, and provides stress relief.

For the truly adventurous, finger paints provide a great sensory activity for older toddlers and preschoolers who are not putting things in their mouth too much. Create a space where the mess is easy to clean up and join in the fun.

Another way for young children to get their yayas out inside is through auditory expression. Take a deep breath, relax, and let them make some noise! Play their favorite music, add some of yours, and sing. Play along. Even very young children can play along on a “kitchen drum set.” Line up pots and bowls and give your child a wooden spoon to explore the different sounds she can make.

 pillow forts

Nothing replaces a nice walk in the park or around the neighborhood, but a close second is enjoying the feeling of exploring. Get a big box or build a fort out of sofa cushions. Preschoolers may enjoy elaborating on the environment and making up pretend adventures. Young children will enjoy bringing some of their favorite toys in and out of their new space.

Which brings us to your child’s favorite indoor toy…YOU! Most children enjoy some independent, quiet play. But the best play is extended by your involvement. Babies and young toddlers especially rely on parents and caregivers to guide them in their activities. You may be surprised how much better you feel after you’ve squished some playdough, made a few handprint flowers and hung them in your box fort.

Finally, try to make clean-up part of the fun. Keep everyone involved up to the last minute. Remember your involvement makes it work and builds the relationship that is essential for positive parenting.

Jenni Watts Evans teaches activity, child development, and discipline classes at the Parenting Center for parents of young children.

Playdough recipe

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

4 t cream of tartar

2 cups water

2 T oil

Food coloring

Mix dry ingredients in a large saucepan. Add the wet ingredients slowly, stirring constantly over a medium/low heat. The mixture will be lumpy, then sticky, then doughy. When the playdough is done it will pull away from the pan and make a ball. After it’s cooled, knead until smooth and store in a plastic, air tight bag.

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