Parents share how playtime has helped them connect with their children
I like to spend about five to six hours every day playing with my children. When we’re outdoors, we’ll go for walks around the park or throw balls and other stuff. If we’re indoors, playing with building blocks is a must. Other than that, we’ll be drawing, colouring or reading e-books. The building blocks have stimulated their creativity and they’ve become innovative while creating something. My children surprise us with their creations most of the time. Their psychomotor skills have also improved. It’s slightly challenging when both of them want to play the same thing at the same time, though. One is almost three years old while the other is one year old.
Ramzan M. Saufi, aviation instructor
I only let my children (aged three and one) play with educational toys and I have started to notice that they often draw, build or solve things using their imagination and cognitive skills. I usually let them play puzzle games on their devices or have a bonding session where we talk about our day. My husband will join them to play with their blocks and dolls, and have a colouring and drawing session, or a numbers or alphabets session. Our children also play a lot on their own. Sometimes, it is hide-and-seek or running around the house with annoying screaming. Other times, they may be building something with the cushions, dancing and singing to music, or riding their bicycles in the garage. However, I make sure I am with them each time they are playing by themselves to ensure their safety and that they are having quality playtime.
