Are you eager to start improving your child’s cooperation and teaching through play, but not sure where to start? We can help! Below is a step-by-step guide to set up a play time with your child.

Ideally, you should engage in play time with your child as part of their daily routine. This can be done on the fly, or scheduling “play time” into your daily schedule.

When engaging in play time on the fly:

1. Take advantage of a time when your child is already playing with a toy or engaged in an activity that they enjoy. It's important that this activity not be a single-player activity, such as a game on the iPad that you would be interrupting.
2. Initiate play time for 10 minutes.
3. Use the 7 Steps to Build Rapport and Improve Cooperation Through Play.

When scheduling “Play Time” into your calendar:

1. Pick a time when you know you will be relaxed. You don’t want to be stressing out about cooking dinner or needing to leave the house in 10 minutes when you’re supposed to be playing and having fun!
2. If you have other children, try to pick a time when another adult is at the house, so that you’re able to be alone with one child and focus your attention on them.
3. Block out time on your calendar at the same time everyday, so that you are consistently able to participate in “play time” with your child. For example, after school, or before dinner. If your child uses a visual schedule, put “play time” on their schedule! Remember, play time only has to last 10 minutes!
4. Depending on your child’s language capabilities, you can ask them what activity they would like to do during play time. Alternatively, you can give your child a choice of activities, or observe your child in a play area and initiate play with them once they are engaged with a toy or activity that they enjoy.
5. Use the 7 Steps to Build Rapport and Improve Cooperation Through Play.

Remember, consistency is key. Try to spend 10 minutes a day playing with your child. Schedule play time for the same time each day, so that you and your child are both available to play. And don’t be afraid to be silly and have fun!