When your little one is at play, giggling to themselves as they roll a ball back and forth or screwing their face up in concentration as they build a tower of blocks, it’s very tempting to join in. Perhaps you sit down beside them and start to build an even higher tower, or maybe you pick up the ball they’re chasing and slowly roll it in their direction, only for them to look up at you confused and then uninterested.

While it’s great for kids to have the chance to build up the confidence and independence that solo play brings, there’s also a lot to be said for your joining in with their play.

But before we examine the benefits of engaging in play together, let’s quickly clarify what we mean by toddler activities.

What do we mean by toddler activities?

Toddler activities are those games and toys specifically designed for toddlers. These toys – cars, trucks, balls, building blocks, puzzles, etc – will typically help them develop their fine motor skills. You may also have a few simple games that involve pushing and pulling at buttons and leavers, all of which are great fun for young kids.

So, why should I join my toddler as they play?

Why is it so important for you to join in with your child’s activities?

Not only will playing with your toddler help to build and solidify your relationship by letting them lead you in play, but it will also help their confidence to flourish. You’ll also teach them how to play with others, how to share and take turns, and best of all, have as much fun with your little one as you could possibly wish for!

So, now that we’ve covered why playing together is well worth your while, let’s find out what you need to keep in mind when you join your toddler’s activities.

What are the top 10 rules to bear in mind when joining in with activities?

Here are our 10 rules to remember when engaging in your toddler’s activities:

Let your child lead. Let your child choose an activity, dictate its pace, and decide the direction it heads in.

Let them work on the activity for as long as they like. There’s no need to rush your little one. Let them take as long as they need and be careful not to distract them with comments. Wait until they look to you for feedback before offering any help and step in and offer help if they become frustrated. Once they’ve finished an activity, ask them if they would like to try again, as repetition gives them a chance to master an activity and feel an important sense of accomplishment. You should also let them finish before asking them to put an activity to the side, even if dinner is ready and on the table.

Avoid quizzing your child. We often quiz our kids without even knowing that we’re doing it. “What colour is this? What do we call this?” The trouble with this is that there’s typically only one right answer, and repeatedly getting it wrong doesn’t do much for your child’s confidence. So, try your best to avoid quizzing. Instead, name things for your child and ask questions that arouse their curiosity.

Put the activity away when they’re finished. Encouraging your child to put activities away when they’re finished subtly teaches them to tidy up after themselves. Let them know where they belong and help them to put them away, but do so in a positive and encouraging way and offer lots of praise.

Model for your child. Children are always watching and listening, so make sure to model the behaviours you want to see and that will keep them safe. For instance, pushing chairs in and under the table, or carrying one item at a time.

Allow for different use of materials but stop when they are used inappropriately. Toddlers will use different materials in all sorts of ways and not necessarily in the way we might expect. So long as they’re not harming the materials, themselves, or someone else, there’s no need to step in and disrupt their creative play. If they are using an item in such a way that might cause damage, tell them, “I can’t let you tear this”, and then go on to show them how they could effectively use the item.

Modify activities to meet their level. Some activities can be altered slightly by you to make them more age-appropriate and enjoyable for your child. If your toddler is struggling with a game, see what could be done to make it easier or, if they’re bored, how it can be made more challenging.

Arrange activities from easiest to hardest. A shelf of games, toys and activities arranged in such a way that the easiest sit at one end and the hardest at the other, allows your child to work their way along and backtrack if they find that an activity proves too difficult.

Use whatever’s available to you. With a bit of creativity and enterprise, you don’t need to spend money on lots of different toys and games. For example, if your child is interested in opening and closing items, keep hold of any old jars and their lids, give them a thorough wash, and with very little effort you’ve created a fun new game. If they’re interested in threading items, grab a bag of dried penne and a shoelace and show them how to make a pasta chain!

Be extra careful with small parts and sharp objects. If they’re playing with small objects that pose a choking hazard or with something sharp, make sure to always be on hand and keep a close eye out.

Remember, parental supervision and individual judgement are crucial when engaging in toddler activities.

What are the 10 most important things to remember when engaging in a toddler's activity?