What can I do to help encourage play in my child?
Each child is different and may enjoy different toys and activities. But these ideas may work for your preschooler.
What preschoolers like to do
Keep in mind that a preschooler likes:
-
Space in which to run and explore.
-
Simple sports and other activities.
What you can do as a parent
-
Read to your child.
-
Take trips to the park, beach, and other places.
-
Encourage play with other children.
-
Limit your child's TV time. This means TV no more than 1 to 2 hours per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Toys for your preschooler
A preschooler will enjoy:
-
Slides.
-
Seesaws.
-
Toys that can be ridden.
-
A small, supervised pool.
-
Wagons and wheelbarrows.
-
Skates or scooters, if you keep a close eye while your child uses them.
-
Dolls.
-
Playhouses.
-
Trucks, cars, and airplanes.
-
Clothes to use to play dress-up.
-
Health care provider play equipment.
-
Play nails, hammer, and saw.
-
Play makeup and shaving supplies.
-
Books.
-
Puzzles.
-
Toys that play music.
-
Art supplies.
Featured in
Related Articles
Toddler Play
Read on for helpful tips to encourage play for your toddler. This topic includes information about what toddlers like to do, appropriate toys, and what you can do as a parent.
Stages of Play
Children go through distinct stages of play as they grow. Each stage is critically important to the development of the next.
Infant Play
Read on for helpful suggestions for activities and toys for your baby, according to their age.
Toy Safety
From blocks and dolls to puzzles and games, toys can be fun and educational for children. But they can present safety hazards as well. As a parent, you need to be aware of toy safety issues for children of all ages. This sheet explains these issues and suggests ways to keep your children safe while playing with toys.
