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What is it?
Child-led play, when a child is encouraged to direct the play with his parent, is a way in which the relationship between parent and child can be strengthened while having fun together. It is a form of ‘listening’ to your child, and allows you a glimpse into their inner world. It is primarily for children ages 2 - 5 years old, but can be used with 6 - 10 year olds.

Child-led play is one-to-one play interaction between a parent and (one) child in which the child is helped to direct and lead the play time in any way he wishes, within acceptable limits. Guidelines are given as to how parents can put these sessions into practice. 



Why is this helpful?
Child-led play can have surprising benefits. It gives children the message that:
  • their ideas are valuable
  • they are worth playing with
  • they can make worthwhile things happen
  • they will be listened to
  • they can have fun together with their parent

This can boost a child's self-esteem and confidence, enhance their relationship with their parent, create enjoyable interactions, open the channels of communication and build lasting memories.



 Options available:
  • Seminars on child-led play for groups of parents  (6-10 people). Parents will be introduced to the concept of child-led play, and given some guidelines as to how to conduct regular sessions with their child.
  • One-to-one consultations with parents to talk through and train in this technique. 
  • One-to-one play sessions with parent and child to develop child-led play (with feedback).

Where?

I can offer these sessions from my playroom in South West London, or I can come to another venue by arrangement. 

Feedback from a recent participant:
"I took my two boys aged 61/2 and 5 yrs to Tessa for some play sessions in order to learn some tips on giving them each their own weekly special play time with me at home.
I found it very interesting how the boys reacted and played in such different ways and Tessa really helped guide me to help them along with the correct language and responses.
Tessa also gave me very valuable feedback after the sessions enabling me to go ahead confidently at home. The boys both love their "golden time" with me and so do I."



Link to an article on these concepts of play from parentdish.co.uk: http://www.parentdish.co.uk/kids/playing-games-with-your-child-development-advice/

Cost: see page on costs

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tessahardingham@parentsandchildren.co.uk