Parenting Awareness Michigan

6 Stages of Play: From Baby to Big Kid

Play develops in stages, and each stage helps children build important skills for communication, social connection, problem-solving, and independence.

1. Unoccupied Play | Birth–3 months: Your baby may move their arms, kick their legs, stare at their hands, or make random movements while exploring their body and surroundings; for example, a newborn lying on a blanket may wiggle and watch their fingers.

2. Solitary Play | Around 3 months–2 years: Your child plays independently and may be completely content exploring a toy without needing another child; for example, a toddler might sit with blocks and build their own tower.

3. Spectator/Onlooker Play | Around 2 years: Your child watches other children play without necessarily joining in, learning by observing what others are doing; for example, a toddler may watch another child roll a ball back and forth and show interest without participating.

4. Parallel Play | Around 2½–3 years: Children play alongside one another with similar toys but may not yet truly play together; for example, two toddlers may sit next to each other, each building their own block tower.

5. Associative Play | Around 3–4 years: Children begin interacting, sharing materials, talking, and copying one another while still following their own ideas; for example, several children may use the same play kitchen and talk about the food they are making without creating one shared storyline.

6. Cooperative Play | Around 4+ years: Children begin working together toward a shared goal, taking on roles, solving problems, and creating more organized games; for example, children might pretend to run a restaurant, deciding who will be the cook, customer, and server.

Remember, these age ranges are general guidelines, not deadlines, and children may move back and forth between different types of play depending on their age, personality, environment, and experience.



Image credit: Pathways.org

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🌟 Parent Tip: Let Them Try First!

Children build confidence when they have opportunities to do things for themselves, even when it takes a little longer or gets a little messy. Whether it’s putting on their shoes, pouring their own drink, opening a snack, or cleaning up toys, these everyday tasks help build independence and problem-solving skills. It can be tempting to step in when your child is struggling, but giving them a chance to try first sends the message, “I believe you can do it!” Offer help when they truly need it, but let them take the lead whenever possible. Every small success today helps build the confidence and skills they need to become more independent tomorrow. 🌱



Source: Little Scribblers Early Learning Centres

Why Deep Pressure Can Feel So Calming

Have you ever noticed your toddler asking for a big hug after a long, overwhelming day, or your baby settling when held snugly against your chest? Deep, steady pressure can provide calming sensory input that helps some children feel more organized and secure in their bodies. For babies and toddlers, this might look like a firm cuddle, being held close, gentle massage, or wrapping up snugly in a blanket while supervised.

For children with sensory processing differences, everyday sensations such as noise, movement, touch, or busy environments can sometimes feel overwhelming, and deep pressure may be one strategy that helps their nervous system settle. You might try a firm hug, pushing hands against yours, carrying a favorite stuffed animal, or playing games that involve gentle pushing and pulling. Always follow your child’s cues, because deep pressure should feel comforting—not restrictive—and some children may prefer movement, space, or another sensory strategy instead.

Deep pressure is not a magic “calm down” button, but it can become one helpful tool in a child’s sensory toolbox when used safely and respectfully. Watch for what your child communicates through their body and remember that supporting regulation starts with understanding what their nervous system is asking for.



Image credit: Pathways.org

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Come play with us this week! Please make sure you register so we can update you on changes if needed!

https://lansingarealittles.com/events/

Shout out to Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing, MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy and Water Babies Greater Lansing for sponsoring our playdates this week! We appreciate you!

Giving Little Hands a Voice: The Benefits of ASL

Your baby reaches toward their cup, looks at you, and makes a little sound, and you realize they have something to say long before they have the words to say it. Teaching simple American Sign Language (ASL) signs such as more, milk, eat, all done, help, and more can give babies and toddlers another way to communicate their wants and needs. Signs can help reduce the frustration that comes when a child understands what they want but does not yet have the spoken words to express it.

Using signs during everyday routines also encourages children to pay attention, imitate movements, take turns, and connect gestures with meaning. You can pair the sign with the spoken word—“More?” while signing more—so your child sees, hears, and experiences the meaning at the same time. Signing can also support children who communicate differently or who benefit from having more than one way to express themselves.

Remember that communication does not have to look the same for every child, and some children may naturally prefer gestures, signs, sounds, words, pictures, or a combination of approaches. Follow your child’s interests, model signs without pressure, and celebrate every attempt they make to connect with you. Those little hands are not simply learning signs; they are learning that their communication matters and that the people around them will listen.



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