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Symbolic play marks a fun milestone where children begin using objects to represent something entirely different. That wooden block becomes a phone, a spoon transforms into a microphone, and suddenly teddy bears need proper bedtime routines. This isn't just adorable behaviour – it's your child building new play skills, problem-solving, and creativity!

We also dive into associative play - as children begin engaging with peers around common activities without formal organisation. Children at the playground following each other, sharing equipment, or dancing together with shared joy. While they're not yet cooperatively working toward shared goals, they're developing the social awareness and skills that will support more complex interactions as they continue to grow and develop.

We discuss strategies to support these play stages you can begin to practice at home. Most importantly focusing on how we can follow your child's lead and gently extend their play interactions and scenarios.

These seemingly simple play interactions lay the groundwork for abstract thinking, problem-solving, and social skills that will benefit your child throughout their lifetime. Next week, we'll explore the next developmental stage: cooperative play and socio-dramatic play, where pretend play becomes even more complex and socially interconnected. Join us as we continue unraveling the fascinating world of children's play development!

As always, please do share it around with anyone that you think could benefit from it and follow me on @bellesotcorner on instagram and Facebook for more insights.

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst I will always make evert effort to share correct information as at the date of the podcast, research is constantly happening and as a profession we learn more everyday. One therapist may have a different way of doing things to another, and every child's needs are unique. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others Consult your child's paediatrician or therapist for any recommendations for your child.

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Functional play is the gateway into our children exploring toys, objects for their intended purpose. This developmental milestone opens doors to deeper learning, independence, and confidence as children figure out that spoons are for eating, blocks are for building, and crayons can create beautiful marks on paper.

In this episode we dive into how to find playful moments throughout your entire day. From morning routines to bath time, cooking to cleaning up, every interaction becomes an opportunity to build these skills. The beauty lies in seeing how naturally children learn when we model without demanding, when we create environments that support their unique needs, and when we celebrate their discoveries.

The episode explores practical strategies like using your affect and body language to engage attention, modelling without expectation, and giving children space to problem-solve. These approaches honour the child's natural learning process while supporting their development. Listen to discover how small moments of playfulness can transform your child's development journey while bringing more joy and connection to your daily interactions.

As always, please do share it around with anyone that you think could benefit from it and follow me on @bellesotcorner on instagram and Facebook for more insights.

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst I will always make evert effort to share correct information as at the date of the podcast, research is constantly happening and as a profession we learn more everyday. One therapist may have a different way of doing things to another, and every child's needs are unique. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others Consult your child's paediatrician or therapist for any recommendations for your child.

Send us a text

The journey from solitary to social play isn't a single leap but rather a fascinating progression through various stages. In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood phases of onlooker and parallel play.

When your child seems to be "just watching" other kids at the park or following you around the house observing your activities, they're engaged in powerful learning. Far from passive, this observation phase is when children collect ideas they'll later reproduce in their own play.

As development progresses, children move into parallel play—that magical stage where they play alongside others without direct interaction. This seemingly simple arrangement helps develop early boundary understanding, regulation skills, and social awareness.

For parents and caregivers, supporting these developmental stages doesn't require elaborate interventions but rather thoughtful presence. We discuss practical approaches like using open-ended toys (blocks, cars, balls), creating opportunities for observation, and following your child's lead rather than forcing predetermined activities.

Whether you're a parent seeking to understand your child's development or a professional supporting children's growth, this episode provides both theoretical understanding and practical strategies to nurture these essential play stages, creating a strong foundation for more complex social interactions to come

As always, please do share it around with anyone that you think could benefit from it and follow me on @bellesotcorner on instagram and Facebook for more insights.

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst I will always make evert effort to share correct information as at the date of the podcast, research is constantly happening and as a profession we learn more everyday. One therapist may have a different way of doing things to another, and every child's needs are unique. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others Consult your child's paediatrician or therapist for any recommendations for your child.