Child Development Play

Hi there from Mike & Jayne.

One of the aspects that was particularly important when our kids were growing up was that of the role of Child Development Play.  This is a very good article that we have discovered and we thought we would share it with you.

Best Wishes

Mike & Jayne

Time to play - Irish Independent

via child development - Google News on 11/12/09

Posted via email from Mike and Jayne's posterous

Mike & Jayne (childdevelopmentmadesimple@googlemail.com) has sent you a news story from EurekAlert!

A really interesting study based on the effects of modern living
and possible effects on Child Development, enjoy.

"Does modernization affect children's cognitive development?"
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/sfri-dma110609.php

Posted via email from Mike's posterous

Child Development Play

As a parent we are all concerned about the development of our child, looking at how they are developing, worrying about what the future holds for them. From a parental viewpoint all we can do is best prepare them to cope with the challenges ahead. So, the question is how can we achieve this? A lot of research and effort has been invested in exploring child development and what can be done to influence it and one of the key factors that has emerged has been centered around the role of child development play.

I had playtime all planned out for the next 3 years for my young son. With hindsight I think that I got a little carried away in the early days. It didn't take long before I realised that the racing car set wasn't much use to a 6 month old. A great way to help your baby develop their cognitive skills in child development play is to actually play games! Simple. As an example take one of my all time favourites, peek-a-boo. Cover your face with whatever takes your fancy and then whip it off, making sure that you you have your happy face on!. Your baby will be thrilled to see you re-appear again. Although I couldn't quiet figure whether his fits of giggles were due to him having fun or whether he found my face hysterical.

Anyway, sooner of later he started to take the blanket off my head before I re-appeared. Apparently, this helps your baby develop their sense of 'object permanence'. To you and me that's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. In my case, my head didn't actually disappear when it was covered. So,from then on we had lots of practice of 'object permanence' when he practiced throwing his toys out of their pram or from his high chair, I kept saying to myself 'He is simply practicing this newly developed skill', frustrating as it was after I had picked it up for the 50th time.

One of the first toys I bought him was a cloth multi-coloured octopus. Not sure I ever saw any of that species on the Discovery Channel though. Anyway, this octopus had different types or textures of material on each of its legs, presumably to promote some form of tactile development. That octopus and my son soon become inseparable, mainly one of its legs from his mouth. During the early months, a great deal of time was spent laid on the floor, talking to him, playing with various toys in order to getting to move about and to introduce new touch and audio-visual experiences.

As he became more mobile and he his exploration bug, I decided than rather than have him 'exploring' where he shouldn't, we bought his first climbing frame, not much taller than him. This gave him plenty of opportunities to push himself physically and that is a trait he carried on into his teenage years. This was a great little addition to his toys, fun for him whilst developing motor skills.

So, that was his first few years and as I said earlier, a fantastic time and lots of opportunities for you to help your child development play.

Child Development Made Simple

Child Development Made Simple, should be the ideal for all parents, however the reality is probably very different. Child development is something that most of use will need to work at, but it seems easy for some, other like myself have to work at it. Through this article, I would like to share how I tried to achieve this.

When my first child was born, which isn't all that long ago ( 12 years ), I was either a bit slow on the uptake or in total shock, I can't remember which, but I had to learn fast. Child development begins at an early stage as babies, where they simply act as human sponges soaking up everything around them.

Some child development theories indicate that this could begin even earlier, we have all heard about the reported benefits of playing music to a child still in the womb. If we get this right, early child development will provide them with the right stimulus can get them off to a great start. Child development made simple is possible, but first we need to understand the factors that can influence it.

Various factors can influence every aspect child development, including of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development. All those individuals and groups that the child comes into contact with, for example family members and peer groups can influence how children think, socialize, and become self-aware. Nutrition, medical care, and environmental hazards in the air and water can all affect the growth of the body and mind. The most important influence comes from the children themselves, which significantly during play and can influence their understanding of their experiences, how they respond to the people around them, choose activities, friends, and interests.

After years of parenting I have found myself reflecting back over time, wishing "If I could do it over again I would do a better job". A sentiment that I can guarantee is shared by many parents. If only I had the experience, wisdom or resources earlier, then perhaps I could have given my child a better start. If you are fortunate to have more than one child, then that experience gained can be utilised, adapted ( after all no two child is the same ) and applied.

One of the goals of this and my associated articles is to try and provide some practical guidance for those that care for children. Through this guidance it may be possible for the carer to support the healthy growth of the child. For example parents can provide better opportunities for intellectual stimulation or provide opportunities for the physical development through simple and fun exercises. This doesn't have to be rocket science, most is common sense and Child Development Made Simple is possible.

Child Development Made Simple further information.