Physical interactions encourage development

NOWADAYS, social and emotional communication even in family frameworks depends a lot on smart tech. However, the absence of a physical dimension to interactions hampers physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Family interactions with positive reinforcement through facial expressions, speech, and nonverbal cues enrich children’s imagination. The guidance they offer is not comparable with virtual interaction.

“Pretend play” is a milestone in children for the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills, creative thinking, and language. Here’s an example: The toddler is encouraged to tug on a toy tractor as dad and granddad play along. The three-year-old “feeding” a doll is encouraged by mum’s facial expressions. Grand-ma plaits the doll’s hair, leading to the child helping and being praised.