Every parent wants their child to grow, learn, and thrive. But did you know that playtime can actually help your child achieve their developmental milestones faster?

I’m Lisa Tarr, I’m a Pediatric Physical Therapist as well as the CEO and Founder of First Steps Pediatric Therapy. We provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services in our clinic and at your home. Today, we’re going to be talking about how you guys can boost your child’s development at home with some simple, fun games.

Why Early Development Games Matter

Early development games matter because they engage and develop your child’s cognitive processing skills. They also help develop a connection between you and your child. We want to create a lot of fun activities in their development because that’s how children and babies learn.

We all do like to do things that are fun, and we all don’t like to do things that are not fun. So, when we create fun and engagement in your guys’ home life, it makes it easier for your child to learn and develop their skills. 

Sing-Along Songs Promote Language & Motor Skills

One of the activities that you guys can do at home is to sing songs that promote motor skills. Some examples are: 

  • Wheels on the Bus
  • Baby Shark
  • Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
  • Hokey Pokey

These songs work on movement, and sing-along songs like these are great activities that you guys can do to stimulate your child’s motor development. It not only creates opportunities for movement and physical touch, but it also is a fun activity that builds a connection and bonding time with your kids.

Movement-Based Games Support Cognitive Growth

Movement-based games that can help support your child’s cognitive development include the sing-along songs mentioned above, as well as games like “I Spy.”  Playing “Peek-a-Boo” is another great activity that develops anticipation and supports object permanence. 

And games like “hide and seek” or building obstacle courses are fun ways to support your child’s movement, spatial awareness, and understanding of concepts such as behind, inside, over, and under.

Reach Out to First Steps for Expert Support

There are a lot of different fun activities that you guys can do at home to support your child’s development. If you feel your child could benefit from additional support, First Steps Pediatric Therapy is here to help. 

We provide therapy services for children of all ages and developmental stages, whether they need assistance with basic skills like body awareness and cognitive processing or have specific diagnosed needs.

Call us today at (700) 900-7432 for more information or to schedule an evaluation today.