Playtime is an important part of your toddler’s development. Although it may seem like it’s just for fun and relaxation, playtime helps your toddler develop their motor, social, thinking, emotional and language skills.

Why is playtime important?

Each time your toddler experiences something new or repeats learned skills, their brain is laying down neural pathways that help connect their experiences and provide context for their interactions with the world around them. In a very real sense, playtime is like training for being an adult.

How toddlers play

Toddlers are curious. They enjoy exploring new objects, sights, sounds and textures, and they will use any opportunity to learn and discover.
  • Toys – whether your toddler is playing with toys or just everyday household items, they enjoy interacting with all objects and learning about what they do and what they can do with them
  • Activity – toddlers are full of energy and love to move, and not only do they enjoy playing with toys but they also love climbing, jumping, swimming, sliding and running.
  • Sharing – toddlers are still learning to share, and although they might struggle at times to play with others they generally enjoy the company of other children and adults.
  • Engagement – sometimes toddlers like to do things by themselves, but they also like adults there so that they can ask questions and describe what they’re doing and experiencing.
  • Environment – toddlers love to interact with their environment. Whether at the park, at the beach, in the pool or just in the backyard, toddlers are curious about different sensory experiences and the world they see around them.