Toddlers (12 - 33 months)
Play is about letting your toddler discover things for himself. Your toddler’s own curiosity and exploration through play will help him develop the skills he needs. If he’s in an environment that welcomes his exploration, playing and learning will come naturally to your toddler.
Your toddler enjoys your company and wants you to play, too. Follow his lead when you play together. You don’t need to teach him how to play. He can’t make his own discoveries if you rush him or focus only on your ideas of what is fun and interesting.
Just being together and having you be excited about his ideas and discoveries will make you a great playmate for your toddler. You should also arrange plenty of opportunities for your child to play with other children. Two toddlers playing together doubles the imaginative power! Provide similar or duplicate toys so that they can imitate each other’s actions, or encourage collaboration with toys like beach balls, rocking boats, telephones, large foam blocks, empty boxes, and tea sets.