If you seem closed off, the child might think you’re mean or don’t like them.
For example, you might bring something like a slinky, a mini box of legos, an inexpensive doll, a container of Play Dough, a coloring book, or a piece of candy. Check with the child’s parent before you give them a gift or candy to make sure it’s okay.
If the child points out a big cloud, say, “Cool! What do you think the cloud looks like?” If the child hands you a leaf, you could say, “Thanks, buddy! This is a cool leaf!” If they have a new toy, you might say, “What does this toy do?” or “Are you having fun playing with it?”
You might ask, “Is it okay if I help you with your shoes?” “Can I help you with your coat?” or “Do you want a hug?” If the child doesn’t want you to touch them, keep smiling at them and tell them it’s okay. You could say something like, “I understand. Sometimes I don’t want a hug, too. "
Little kids are very cute, so it’s totally understandable that you want to hug them or pick them up. However, this can be scary to the child if they aren’t used to you yet. Respect the child’s space and don’t try to force affection on them.
If you’re babysitting the child, you might spend all of the time you’re with them playing. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or other adult, you might designate a set period of time for play. You could say, “I’m going to color with you for 30 minutes, but then I have to start dinner, or “Let’s play with your blocks for 15 minutes, then I need to go talk to your mommy. ”
Let’s say you’re building with Legos or blocks. You might be tempted to show the child how to make a sturdy foundation or how to follow instructions to make cool projects. Instead, let the child experiment with the blocks. Similarly, let’s say you’re coloring with the child. It’s okay if they want to scribble outside the lines.
You might say, “I heard you’re great at coloring. Could you show me how to make pretty pictures?” or “It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten to build something with blocks. Do you think we could play with yours together?” If you have the space or can use some outdoor space, build an obstacle course. Get creative and use whatever supplies you have to hand.
If you’re playing with dolls, plushies, or action figures, pick them up and make them “talk” with goofy voices. If you’re making things with clay or Play Dough, you might make fart sounds or other sound effects when you squish or shape the dough.
You might suggest make-believe scenarios like superheroes, pirates, or spaceship. If you were playing superheroes, you might ask the child where the bad guy is. Then, come up with your gadgets and super powers. Pretend you’re doing things like fighting bad guys or flying around. Build the ultimate fort. Use blankets, pillows, sheets and cushions to make a soft, cozy and safe fort. Have the kids suggest what shape or style of fort they’d like. Then you can encourage them to play make-believe games using the fort.
You can also tell stories with finger puppets or props if you want to make storytime more exciting. Involve the child in the story by asking them what they think happens next. If the child can’t sit still through the whole story, set the book aside and let them come back to it if they want to start reading again.
You can also tell stories with finger puppets or props if you want to make storytime more exciting. Involve the child in the story by asking them what they think happens next. If the child can’t sit still through the whole story, set the book aside and let them come back to it if they want to start reading again.
Don’t worry as much about the rules while you’re playing the game with the child. You might gently remind them of rules when they break them, but try to just have fun. If you’re outdoors, try playing tag, drawing with chalk, or kicking a ball around. Make chores and clean-up a fun game to play. For example, you may say, “I bet you can’t clean up all of your toys in 1 minute. ” Make up your own card game. With the help of the child or children, assign an activity to each suit, like hearts as jumping jacks and diamonds as making funny faces. Upon each draw of a card from the pack, the child has to perform the fun task the card requires. For example, if you draw the 6 of hearts, you must do 6 jumping jacks!
You don’t have to make sustained eye contact. It’s okay to shift your eyes away for a few seconds at a time. Consider getting down on the child’s level to make it easier to make eye contact. If you’re towering over them, the child could feel intimidated.
It’s okay to use silly voices and baby talk to entertain the child during play. Very young children may like baby talk. Pay attention to how other adults talk to the child to see if baby talk may work with them. Not only will this show the child you respect them, it might also help their verbal skills.
You might ask questions like, “What’s your favorite part of Frozen?” “What are you building with your blocks?” or “What did you find on your walk today?” Raise the pitch of your voice when you reach the end of a question so the child recognizes when it’s time to respond. Don’t pepper the child with questions because they might get overwhelmed. Instead, stick to a few specific questions you think they can answer.
Try not to interrupt the child while they’re talking. It’s okay to make little comments like, “That must be exciting” or “What happened next?” to show you’re following along. Don’t use your phone while you’re listening to the child. Always give them your full attention.
Give them compliments like, “Wow! Great job stacking your blocks!” “Good job coloring!” or “Great job putting your toys up!” Even if the child did something you don’t want them to do, you can still praise them as long as you give them a warning, too. For example, you could say, “I love that you practiced drawing, but let’s try it on paper instead of the wall this time. ”
