Quick summary
Children's play development moves through clear stages: solo play at birth, playing alongside others at age 2-3, cooperative role-swapping play at 4-5, and group play that builds social skills at 6-7. Parents should watch their child's play development closely and consult a doctor if it seems delayed for their age.
When children think of the word "play," from an adult's perspective they often think of non-useful play, such as playing video games. play computer games or do various activities on social media But actually children's play It's not something that parents should let go of. But you should pay attention to what the child needs. Why do you play? And most importantly, what do children gain from playing?
Raising children, teaching children, and playing with children. It is something that no textbook clearly tells how to do. The style of parenting often depends on the experiences of each parent. which has no right or wrong As Dr. Jiraporn Arunakun, pediatrician in adolescent medicine Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University jokingly said that
“If you raise it, it won't die. It means that you can raise children."
The most important thing in raising children is “Playing with your child”. Playing here is not about giving your child a tablet to play with. But it is play with understanding.
Dr. Woranat Raksakulthai, an expert in early childhood education, further explains that Parents must observe. and understand the development of children's play from birth
Newborns play with themselves. Play with things around you, such as looking at a mobile doll. It is considered to be playing. Later, when is approximately 2-3 years old , children will begin to develop into playing together with others. Likes playing outside, playing in the sand, playing in the water, riding a tricycle, building blocks, drawing and painting, watching cartoons, playing with friends of the same age. But can't play for long
When children are in in the 4-5 year period , there will be cooperative play, such as dividing roles as doctor-patient. And there is also role switching. and will like to play things that you like Have fun and have fun playing those things for a longer time.
Come to Children aged 6-7 years who are entering elementary school. Begin to learn good social behavior Have culture and social etiquette Want to be accepted among friends where children can play with friends in groups It will make children know how to adapt when they are with other people. and learn to be a leader and a good follower
Dr.Woranat I would like to conclude by saying thatUnderstanding and observing the behavior and development of children's play This will allow parents to know whether their child has an abnormality or not. Which if the child has development that is slower than his age Parents should consult with a doctor to find solutions so that their child can return to proper development again. And it will create a good foundation for growing up in the future.
Every parent expects their children to grow up to be smart and good people. Have good mental health and strong physical health. But to get to that point, families are important personnel who will help each other strengthen various skills. to be born to the little one
“The key to raising children is I didn't teach my children when they were growing up. But it should be taught in the first few years to build a strong emotional bond. To make children have confidence in their own worth and have trust in others to be able to integrate into society.”
Assoc. SPY THE DUCK Dr. Sirichai Hongsuansri, child and adolescent psychiatrist Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University discusses the readiness that parents should have in 6 areas:
- ReadinessPhysical
- ReadinessTime
- ReadinessFinance
- Readiness in knowledge
- readiness inskills in raising children
- readiness inmind
Summary
The duty of good parents is You must give love and warmth to your child. and must also discipline children Raising children to have discipline must be practiced from a young age. Starting with training to sleep at a certain time. etc.
Information provided by
• Dr. Jiraporn Arunakun, pediatrician in adolescent medicine. Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University
• Dr. Woranat Raksakulthai, Early Childhood Education Specialist
• Associate Professor Dr. Sirichai Hongsanguansri, child and adolescent psychiatrist Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University
Illustrations from the internet
Sources
- Dr. Jiraporn Arunakul and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirichai Hongsanguansri, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University (the article's original source)
Information updated 25 September 2026.
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