MR. POTATO HEAD'S LAUNDRY DAY

OK. Nobody likes laundry. But even laundry can be a fun, learning activity for preschoolers while you're knocking a big chore off your list. So here's what you do...

HOW TO PLAY...

As you're folding the laundry, choose articles of clothing from the basket and encourage your child to identify each item (e.g., socks, shirts, pants, underwear, etc.). Talk about how we wear the different items. We wear socks on our feet. We wear shirts on our backs, etc. This establishes the concept of "order" for your child. 

Now, like Mr. Potato Head, let's mix it up and play with the concept of "disorder." Only in this game, your child is Mr. Potato Head!

Start by wondering out loud what it would be like to wear your socks on your ears. Coax your child to try wearing her socks on her ears. And put socks on your own ears too. Oh, how silly! And the fun has begun.

Your child may take it from there, but if not, suggest a few other mix ups to give her the idea. For instance, I wonder what it would be like to wear your pants on your arms? Or your underwear as socks? Or see what it's like if you climb into dad's shirt together! In other words, the sillier the better!

WHAT THEY'RE LEARNING...

What we just described is a game involving patterns, sequences, order and disorder, all essential underpinnings to problem solving, creativity, and mathematics. That might sound a bit heady or academic, but in fact, children are naturally introduced to these concepts through everyday, physical experiences and play.

For instance, early on babies adapt to daily routines which give them a sense of security and belonging through the predictable order of life. Toddlers eventually figure out that it's better to put the big block on the bottom in order to support the smaller blocks on top. With enough repetition, preschoolers they learn that "A" comes before "B." And of course, we all inevitably arrive at the conclusion that socks come before shoes.

Further, dressing the "wrong" way actually instills a sense of pride and confidence that they're "in the know." They know the right way to dress!

And in the process, you might even get the laundry done.

Stay home. Stay well. Have fun. And keep moving!

P.S. When we asked friends and family to snap some photos of this game for us, even the older kids wanted to join in and had fun with it!

PLAY MAKES THE BEST TEACHER

We wrote a blog post called Parents Make the Best Playmates several years ago and it has always been one of our most popular topics. (You'll see the post in full below.) In these days when parents are being called upon to guide their children's learning at home, it's important to understand in the early years, play is the most powerful learning tool of all.

We'll dig deeper into the power of play over the next few weeks, but for now, rest assured. You don't need a degree in education. All you need to do is relax and play. Because even if you don't recognize it in the moment, your child is learning in so many ways...

Play is TANGIBLE and PHYSICAL. Kids are tangible, physical creatures. That's why they can't sit still.

Play is a WHOLE-CHILD EXPERIENCE, inviting the body, senses, emotions, imagination, and natural problem solving to the party. That's why she becomes so engrossed she doesn't even hear you calling to her.

PLAY BEGINS WITH THE CHILD, making the entire experience personal and relevant. That's why she puts on her tiara and goes out to the garden to make mud pies. It makes sense to her.

Play is how children learn to RELATE TO OTHERS. That's why it's important to make time for the two of you to play together each day.

Which brings us to today's topic. As important as play is, we've found some parents don't fully understand their role in the process. Take a look at our original blog post for a few ways you can become a better playmate to your child and have fun along the way...

PARENTS MAKE THE BEST PLAYMATES

All child development experts (including me) will tell you that one of the best things you can do for your child is to play with your child. But those same experts (including me) often lament that parents don’t always know HOW to play with their kids.

I have a theory about this. Adults sometimes struggle with “child’s play” because it is counter-intuitive to what’s expected of us in every other part of our lives. As adults, we’re expected to be strong, mature and in control at all times; responsible, efficient, effective, and results-oriented. Yet it is these exact qualities that make adults INEFFECTIVE as play partners to their children.  

To help you understand what I mean, here are a few rules of thumb I prescribe for parents during playtime...

FOLLOW, DON’T LEAD. When it comes to play, your child is better at it than you are.  Know your place and follow her lead (unless safety becomes an issue).

GET SHORTER. Whenever you can, bring yourself down to her level (both physically and emotionally). This is your time to see the world through her eyes.

KEEP IT POINTLESS. True play has no agenda – no rightness or wrongness to it. Whatever happens happens. Keeping playtime open and free is not only the best way to encourage your child's imagination, it's also the best way to help her learn naturally.

And no matter what, remember, playtime is for both of you, so relax and go for the ride!

THE OVER-UNDER JOURNEY!     

Playing collaborative games equalizes the playing field for your child while giving you a perfect, kids-eye-view of life!  Next time you have a few minutes, try taking an Over-Under Journey and you might just be amazed where the two of you end up!

SET UP

1. Start by deciding where to go.  You may want to go to a real place like the kitchen or you could think of grander, imaginative places like the Dinosaur Forest or the Princess Castle!  (Wherever you decide to go, pick a physical location 10-15 feet away as your target for a game of 5-6 turns.)  Let your child decide the destination and then follow her imaginative lead.

2. Next, decide who is "Over" and who is "Under."  Again, let your child decide.  

3. Using only your bodies and your imaginations, the "Over" player must travel each step of the journey by going over the other player.  Likewise, the  "Under" player must go under the other player.

GAME PLAY

Here’s a few ideas to get you started.  Note:  These ideas are written for parents but can easily be adjusted for children as well.  But be sure to let your children make up their own over/under obstacles as much as possible.

• Go OVER THE HILL (stand tall and let your child climb all the way up you!)
• Go UNDER THE BRIDGE (form a bridge with your body or legs and let your child climb under)
• Go OVER THE TICKLE TIGER (lie down on your back and have your child climb over your tummy -- tickling as she goes!)
• GO UNDER GATE (lie on the floor and raise one leg in the air up and down.  Have your child scoot through the gate.)
• Go OVER THE TEA POT (sit on the floor and form the shape of a tea pot.  As your child climbs over you, whistle like a tea pot!
• Go UNDER THE PUDDLE (lie down on the floor tummy-side down.  Have your child "swim" underneath you)
• GO OVER THE WORM (wiggle like a worm on the floor and have your child climb over you from head to toe)
• GO UNDER THE TUNNEL.  (sit on the floor with your knees up and have your child climb through)

Have fun, and let me know how your journey went!

BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS

No matter how we try to shield them from it, kids are feeling the stress of the worldwide health crisis. Routines are disrupted. Schools are shut. Mom and Dad are acting weird. Playdates are cancelled. Playgrounds are closed. And there's even more screen time to do schoolwork or stay connected to family and friends.

It's no wonder we're already hearing "my kids are bouncing off the walls."

THE NEW MOVING SMART BLOG

That's why we've decided to restart our Moving Smart blog. Here we'll repost relevant articles and new ideas for how to help children (and yourselves) navigate this unique time together at home. And along the way we will share some insights into how nature uses movement to help children grow and develop their bodies AND their brains. For instance...

BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS...

So let's get this out of the way right now. "Bouncing off the walls," is your child's brain trying to communicate with you. And notice we're saying your child's brain, not your child. Her brain needs physical and sensory stimulation in order to grow and develop, and quite often acting out is her only way of expressing that need. In short, it's not naughty. It's natural. 

The thing you can do is understand it and lean into it. And we're here to help you lean.

We hope you find this helpful and welcome your questions any time.

Stay safe. Stay well. And keep moving.

FINDING GRIN: HELPING LITTLE ONES CALM DOWN 

Kids are bound to be more stressed with the limitations we're all under. And of course, that stresses you out. Here's a little poem that works for me. I call it Finding Grin. Not only does it help you both release the stress, it's a good activity for helping your child develop awareness of her own body.

Next time your little one’s grin goes missing, put her on your lap, snuggle in, and recite this little poem. The idea is simple. Grin has gone missing and you need your child's help to find him. As you recite the poem, search for Grin by very gently tickling your child on her knee or her nose, her wrist or her toes. And before you know it, this gentle touching time together will bring Grin back right where he belongs.

Feel free to use the verses below, or make up your own little ritual. And when Grin is back above her chin, reverse roles and have her help you find yours!

Finding Grin

Oh, where did Grin go?

I do miss him so.

Is that him on your nose?

Is that him on your toes?

Is that him on your knee?

On your wrist? Let me see!

Is that him on your tummy?

Now that would be funny.

Oh, wait! 

Now I see.

Here he comes!

Right towards me!

Welcome back,

Great big Grin!

Right at home

Above your chin!