How We Mix Up Our Play Time

For me, playtime with the kids has to be led by the kids.

I can be a bit rubbish at messy play if I’m honest, so if it was up to me, that wouldn’t happen all that often. But I know it is so important that it does. I try to use Montessori methods to make sure that those kinds of things are readily available for the kids to just grab and play. I think it is important too to have things like some wooden or plastic kitchen utensils so that when I’m in the kitchen, or we’re baking some buns or something, that the kids can ‘join in’ and stir some things in a little bowl and spoon.

Here is what I like to do to make sure that we MIX-UP our play time:

M – make toys readily available and not locked away or stored out of reach

I – important to vary the play. Creative play, messy play, dressing up, pretend play…

X – xylophones, rattles, drums and shakers. Musical toys are fun and important.

U – use random things from around the house. Play and get creative with empty yoghurt pots and cardboard tubes.

P – be patient! You might think it is all an idyllic and relaxing time but it definitely isn’t! Patience is important to make sure that everyone has fun, learns and enjoys themselves.

On one of our recent snack breaks, we were lucky to be able to try out the new Magic Squares from Petits Filou. These were a big hit with the kids (and me – sssssh)! They taste great. I thought Max might want to eat each square separately but he was loving that you could just stir it all in and mix it all together to make a big swirl- why not hey?

Rebecca x

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*This post is an entry for BritMums #MagicSquaresPlaydates Linky Challenge, sponsored by Petits Filous.