Health in Your Hands - Bringing Love to Children's 'Home' through Play
In the face of a busy and competitive life, many parents prioritise their children's 'learning', viewing play as merely a pastime. In fact, moderate play not only does not hinder learning, but is also an important part of a child's growth. What they may need is not more practice, but someone to accompany them in having a good time.
From a developmental perspective, when children engage in play, their brains become more active, which helps enhance focus and interest in learning; at the same time, play allows children to learn to express emotions and face difficulties with a positive attitude in a relaxed and safe environment. Instead of worrying that children 'play too much', why not try playing together? You will gain a better understanding of their inner world.
Parent-child time does not require deliberate preparation; the most important thing is the process of 'doing something together'. When you are willing to put down your phone and focus on playing with your child for a few minutes, they can already feel loved and valued, and this sense of security is very important for their growth. Parents can refer to the following small suggestions to create fun parent-child memories with their children:
1. Imitation Game: You perform an action or say a sentence, and the child follows along, which can lead to unexpected and funny moments;
2. Touch and Guess: Put everyday items in a bag and let the child guess what they are by feeling them, creating a sense of tension and excitement;
3. Story Chain: Each person adds a sentence to create a story, using imagination to co-create your family's unique tale;
4. Breathing Game: When children are anxious or facing pressure, teach them to breathe slowly like blowing up a balloon to help them relax and relieve stress.
Play is the nourishment for a child's growth and the warmest bridge for building parent-child relationships. Instead of pursuing a perfect parenting style, why not set aside a little time each day to focus on playing a simple game with your child? Through laughter and interaction, let love flow naturally, and the relationship will become even stronger. Currently, many organisations are hosting games suitable for parent-child participation. For example, the St. James' Settlement Wan Chai Integrated Family Service Centre will hold a 'Love Play, Protect Children's Home' Fun Day on May 16 (Saturday) from 1 PM to 5 PM, featuring various booths and activities for parents and children to enjoy parent-child time together. More details will be announced later on the centre's Facebook and website (https://ifsc.sjs.org.hk/).
St. James' Settlement Wan Chai Integrated Family Service Centre
