One of the most important ways a child spends his time is in play. It doesn’t always look like work but that is exactly what it is. Certainly your child can have the obvious benefit of play which is having fun. But it is more than that.

Play stimulates your child’s curiosity, creativity, and intellect. All of this helps him make sense of his world while having fun at the same time. It really is his job as he learns how to play.

At the same time your child is doing his job, you can become involved by encouraging his imagination and self-esteem. But there are rules for you as someone who is participating in play time.

The first rule is to jump right in and be a part of his play. This playing with him helps build a trusting relationship and that helps him be happy. Trust is a crucial ingredient as your child steps into the real world through play.

Encourage your child to explore and to play “make believe.” This play greatly impacts a child’s imagination and development. Your encouragement helps him try hard and play hard.

You need to even think like a child. You can add to a child’s play experiences by creating new imaginative games and ways to play with his toys. Let yourself go and enjoy this playtime.

Let your child be the guide to his play. Let him pick the activity and even decide how it’s played. This gives him confidence. He will do this best if you have encouraged his independence.

Give him some time to play by himself. In this way he can think about what he has been doing. You can just watch. If he is happy in what he is doing, leave him alone. If he seems bored or over-stimulated, re-direct his activity. Take your time to evaluate how he is doing before you step in.

Let him add music to his play. Think of ways to create instruments by using household items. His creativity and coordination will improve with each beat. You can fill empty water bottles about a third of the way full with Cheerios or beans. Make sure the lid is on tight and let him shake away. Give him a wooden spoon that can become a drumstick and a can with a plastic lid like a coffee can and you have a drum.

When your child plays with someone else, his play will change in new directions. That is perfect. It is even a good reason to have someone new come over to play or for him to play with your partner. Everyone will play differently and each will have different lessons. Encourage it because it increases his learning.

All the ways your child plays helps him discover the world around him. It lets him explore and express himself, to learn on his own, to control his environment and to connect with others. It provides a perfect opportunity to spend time and have fun with your child. Research shows that the most import part of in a child’s early learning is having a loving, nurturing relationship with you. Playing nurtures that bond.

So while playing is a child’s work it shouldn’t be work for you. This is one of many ways to enjoy the time you spend playing with your child. When he is ready to play, bring out the colors or markers and some paper. See if you have empty plastic bottles. Even some dried pasta and spoons can be helpful. What other things might you bring to the table?

You can help your child’s playtime and at the same time encourage his imagination, his creativity, his intellect and his social skills. Play is good for both of you.

Play should be encouraged in any way you can. This is learning at its best. It’s potential is endless. So have fun.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. To reach current First Teacher Executive Director Nicole Brewer, email nicole@firstteacher.org or call 360-681-2250.