Those first few years of your child’s life—honestly, they’re huge. Every tiny interaction, every silly giggle, every “look, Mum!” moment helps shape the little person they’re becoming. And one of the easiest, most natural ways to support their growth is simply through play. Proper play, I mean. Not just sticking them in front of some noisy toy and hoping for the best.
Why play is such a big deal
Play might look like fun and chaos on the surface, but underneath it’s doing some serious heavy lifting. Kids aren’t just mucking about—they’re learning how the world works piece by piece. It’s how they test ideas, build confidence, and start figuring out their own emotions.
Sounds deep, I know, but it’s true. When they pretend to cook, build a blanket fort, or tuck a toy zebra into bed, they’re practising real-life social and emotional skills. They’re exploring scenes they’ll eventually face as older children or adults, just in a cuter, messier format.
Choosing toys that actually help them grow
Not all toys pull their weight, though. Some are basically just plastic noise machines that drive you mad without giving your kid much to work with. So choosing the right toys matters—a lot. Simple, open-ended toys are absolute gold.
Think wooden blocks, puzzles, soft toys, play food, and games that encourage sharing. These kinds of toys leave space for imagination. That’s key. Kids don’t need a toy shouting songs at them; they need tools that help them create their own stories.
One brand that thinks along these lines is Petite Amélie. Their wooden toys are sturdy, safe, and designed to spark creativity rather than overwhelm it. And honestly, that’s the whole point—giving your child something that grows with them rather than something they outgrow in five minutes. Just saying.
Don’t pack their schedule to the brim
Here’s something a lot of parents forget—kids don’t need activities every second of the day. Really, they don’t. In fact, overloading their schedule with classes, clubs, and lessons (even if they sound enriching) can totally backfire. Kids need downtime. Proper downtime. Moments where they can just wander off, fiddle with toys, invent games, or stare at the ceiling while their little brain whirs away. A bit of boredom is actually good for them. Weird, but true.
The magic of outdoor play
And then there’s outdoor play—an absolute game changer. Getting kids outside lets them explore properly. They run, climb, dig, poke at leaves… all that good stuff that builds strength, balance, and coordination. Plus, it’s brilliant for confidence. A small child who manages to climb a ladder at the playground feels like they’ve conquered Everest. It’s adorable. And very valid.
Outdoor play also encourages social skills, especially when they bump into other kids at the park. They learn to share space, take turns, and sometimes argue (which is also part of learning, let’s be honest). And on a practical note—it helps burn off energy. Loads of it. Parents love that part.
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Jessica Fuqua is a mom of two who writes about the messy, beautiful reality of raising kids. She believes parenting advice should feel like a conversation with a friend, not a lecture. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time.