Developmental Education for Caregivers

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.”
– O. Fred Donaldson

The Land of Make Believe

Why are kids so interested in playing pretend?

Why do they want toys that mimic adult jobs, tasks, even chores? (Tiny broom or lawnmower, anyone?)

What traditional parenting classes often skip over is the way kids – and even teens – communicate.

Through play.

Not only do they use it to talk to us and each other – it’s their method of handling the stressors of the world.

How many times have you seen a tearful child suddenly get up, take a deep breath, and start playing with dolls or trucks?

Of course, there’s more to kids than just how they play. Children (especially between the ages of zero and five) zoom through stages of development.

Do you remember the day your child took her first steps?

You could undoubtedly tell she was working hard to figure out how to do it, but it probably still came as a surprise.

Before you knew it, she took off like a cannon, and you were struggling to keep up.

Or when your child started talking! For a while, you were wondering if he’d ever say more than just “Mama” and “Dada.”

Yet suddenly, it felt like full sentences were pouring out of his little mouth.

Cracking the Code of “Kidthink”

Your child’s brain has its own unique genetic wiring.

The good news is that as long as you provide your child with basic needs (food, warmth, a safe environment, and of course, love), your child’s body will develop according to programing. But to better support your child’s development, it’s important to understand what is actually happening inside that sweet little head.

The Bonding Process

For example, when an infant continuously drops a toy off the side of the high chair and looks at you to pick it up (you know the game), it may feel like your infant is intentionally making your life difficult.

But there’s much more going on. In reality, your infant is learning not only about how cause and effect work (I drop – you pick up), but also that you are a trustworthy person.

You are literally strengthening the bond between the two of you during this seemingly innocent game.

We know the answers to the “Why?” questions.

“Why does my one-year-old like to shriek randomly in a large, echoing room?” (To experiment with how the voice influences the environment and people.)

“How do I get my three-year-old to sit still in church?” (You don’t. And yes, that’s okay!)

“Why does my seven-year-old watch videos of other people playing with toys?” (It’s a form of play. We as adults do it, too. When was the last time you went to a sporting event?)

“How come my 16-year-old does the opposite of everything I say?” (While it may feel this way, they’re actually following some of your guidance. They’re trying to figure out who they are as a person, separate from their families.)

And we can teach you.

You can find the answers you need to infants, children, and teens by either working with me directly or joining a parenting workshop.

Schedule your free 15-minute discovery call now.

We schedule workshops according to interest level. To learn about upcoming events, send us an email:

And if you have a group of parents wanting to schedule a workshop, let us know! We are happy to accommodate groups of all sizes!

Stop wandering around and start playing around – to strengthen your parent-child bond.