As a little girl I didn't play well with others. I did play with them, but I was often bossy and seldom got invited back on play dates. As I grew, Momma saw this independence as more of a tomboy characteristic and began introducing me to boys my own age, where I could roughhouse and be more abrasive without hurting quite so many feelings. It didn't quite turn into an Olga- "Hey Arnold" situation, but I seemed to dominate the boys as well. Regardless, Momma was satisfied with not having to listen the concerned parents after Barbie hair-cutting incidents, and how my need to turn a stick into a fake gun wasn't 'healthy'.
While every child is indeed different, there are actually several tools and techniques, when practiced at an early age, that can help young boys and girls socialize with age, personality, and gender variances. There's nothing wrong with being a 'girly girl' or a tomboy, but we can't always choose those we're thrown in with, so teaching smart cooperative play skills are essential.
While it's always nice to be the 'it' house, with everything going on, you don't have to break the bank to outfit your yard, or playroom, with engaging play sets. Today, as a childcare provider, and beloved Aunt, I appreciate Little Tikes playhouses and furniture for their easy to assemble designs made from durable materials, with engaging concepts. Let's just say I wish I had a similar 'big girl' version of the Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse stashed away on the East Coast somewhere! Complete with front and back entrances, and a dual flag poles, this playhouse is ready for customization and imagination. Add a Sizzle 'N Serve Grill, complete with 14 pieces of accessories and food- from tongs to hamburgers and buns, and you'll spark hours of play.
You don't have to have a multi-child family to find value in a great playhouse such as the Little Tikes Cape Cottage. Friends and family will love visiting to play in this adorable scale cottage, and it's light enough to move from front to backyard, or even put in the back of the truck and take to the park. And assembly? I was able to assemble it alone in less than 20 minutes, decals and all! Of course a playhouse is best put to use with a few good friends, so I've compiled a few tips to help young children socialize through cooperative play.
Tip #1: Allow each child to make the play space their own. Regardless of who's home the play space is in, all children need to feel welcome and free to express their creativity. Encourage children to express themselves through toy placement 'design' decisions, and open a dialog for discussion of placement thoughts. "Which flag should we put on the cottage today?" "Where do you think the grill should go?" "What flowers will grow in the garden?" even if the questions evolve around imaginary aspects of the setting allow each child participating to have their say in the play-set or scenario. Opening with such an activity will teach host children to share, and guests that they are a welcome and valued addition to the play date.Tip #3: The best way to encourage social skill development is through leading by example. Most childhood pretend time is modeled after real life characters and situations. Since children look up to all of the adults in their life, for guidance, call out proper behavior and social techniques when you practice them. Events such as waiting in line at the checkout, sharing a scoop of ice cream, and cleaning the dinner table can all turn into learning cues for respectful social interaction. Explain your actions such as, "I'm going to let you have some of my dessert because it's fun to share," or "I'm waiting my turn in line because it's polite." Never talk down about your peers, coworkers, or family in front of children, and always explain your actions through words.
Tip #5: Encourage taking turns. Inevitably, every child will have a scenario or toy that is their favorite. The bigger the group of children, the harder it will be to please everyone. It's common sense, but taking turns will help keep the group focused and engaged with what is going on. For us, the Sizzle 'N Serve Grill was a real hot spot. While Josh felt it was his 'manly' duty to remain at the grill station, Lynsey wanted to point out that 'girls can bbq too,' so we initiated a turn system. I asked Lynsey to show Josh what her second favorite toy in the cottage was, the vacuum, and he was enthusiastic about 'vacuuming' the grass, in no time- while he waited his turn. Taking turns isn't simply a matter of being fair, it rewards children for their patience and respect of their fellow playmates.
Little Tikes has an assortment of toys, vehicles, an playhouses for children from infant to toddler and early grade school. Even older siblings will enjoy passing on their memories of these beloved playthings, which are sure to remain an active part of play and growth for years! Did you have a treehouse, playhouse, or similar retreat as a child?
What Daughter Says: Practice cooperative play with simple social skill building techniques on and off the play yard.
Now my kids would have loved, loved, loved that little house. Little Tikes always has such a great line of play items for kids... :)
ReplyDeleteI love the little cottage house! My daughter would love it. She does have trouble sharing and we are definitely working on that. Thanks for the tips. This will really help me out as my kid is in the Terrible 2s stage.
ReplyDeleteMy kids love playing with little tikes! I love that kids can grow with their toys, we have had so many Little Tikes toys over the years.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an adorable house for the kids! I always wanted something like this when I was a kid!
ReplyDeleteTeaching those skills while young is so important. It prepares our little ones for different stages of school and life. Little Tykes is like that. Always bring real life into play.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I have a four year old and he really struggle to play with others. He's not mean or anything but he is just used to doing things his own way. I'll have to try out these tips and see if I can get him playing better with others.
ReplyDeleteThis is SO important, oh my gosh. Kids who don't learn these skills are off to a rough start! I never had any kind of playplace like that as a child, because we lived in an apartment...but I sure wanted one!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. It's really important to teach kids how to play nice. Playing nice now leads to good communication and people skills down the line.
ReplyDeleteThese are all excellent tips, especially turning enthusiasm into sharing. Kids have a natural tendency to want to horde what they're excited about. Showing them how much fun it can be to share their enthusiasm is a great way to promote sharing.
ReplyDeleteSharing and taking turns are skills that my kids need to work on. Thanks for the tips, I will put them to good use.
ReplyDeleteAwe how sweet! This is something I battle with in my home. Having 5 kids their play often turns into bickering!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet article! It is so hard sometimes to get siblings to get along. Complete love/hate relationship that changes every 5 min!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! There must be two versions of the Cape Cottage because we just received it as well but our windows are white and there were no flags in the box, just the flag holders.
ReplyDeleteLittle Tikes toys are definitely some of the best around. They make sure to include small details and totally last for ages too!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is still learning to share! We try to make her understand that sharing means both people get to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun place for them to exercise their imaginations! I love your ideas about discouraging hierarchy roles.
ReplyDeleteAll of my kids have loved Little Tikes toys. I love that they are durable enough for the older kids to play alongside the younger kids.
ReplyDeleteLittle Tykes makes the best outdoor toys. This is so cute. My friends little girls would love one. I will have to share this with her.
ReplyDeleteThis is something my kids would love to have to play with. These are great tips. It is important for kids to learn cooperative play.
ReplyDeleteThese are really great tips. Kids need to learn how to be social and play. I will have to try a few of these with my kids.
ReplyDeleteI adore that little play house! Seriously if we had one I don't think I'd ever get my daughter to leave it!
ReplyDeleteWe had the "IT" yard growing up. Cause we lived on a farm..lots of fun stuff for outside. I want to give that to my kids too.
That is seriously the cutest playhouse I have ever seen. I'd love to get something like that for my boys!! They love playing pretend!
ReplyDeletewow how adorable! they thought of everything.
ReplyDeleteNice Post. Thanks for sharing
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