Play-based Parenting Groups at The Parent Connection

These innovative groups provide an opportunity for parents to learn how the little things they do affect their child’s healthy cognitive and emotional development.  Activities take place in a safe and stimulating playroom and include songs, games and play that promote language acquisition, social/emotional skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and intellect.

The Value of Play-based Learning

In today’s world, we often underestimate the importance of play.  Relaxed, unstructured play allows children to explore their physical abilities as well as their imaginative and creative abilities.

When an adult plays with a child, new opportunities for growth open up, for the child and for the adult.  Play between a parent and child facilitates relationship building.  It enhances intimacy through touch, smiles, and language.  It produces emotional expression through laughter and mutual respect through turn taking.  It provides a medium through which we pass on our values and our view of the world and through which we can get a glimpse of the person our child is growing to be.

The best toy we can give a child is being an attentive, caring adult who is invested in the child’s well being and who is willing to communicate through the play media of words, songs, touch, activities, smiles and giggles.

“The heart of play is pleasure.  If it isn’t fun, it isn’t play.”

-Bruce Perry