Game is the best communication model of children. Each child displays his own truths, feelings and the action he has internalized and the purpose of this through the game he plays. Play is a concept that has existed in the child's life for centuries. In fact, the child performs the game not only to pass the time, but also to learn. Contrary to popular belief, the game is not an unnecessary situation. In the game, which is extremely important for the development of the child, the child and the child's mind spend a lot of energy for this action. While the game supports the child's physical, emotional, social and mental development, it is a strong motivation for the child's learning. Games played with peers, siblings and family members enable the child to establish a strong bond with these people. Games with restrictive, intense rules, critical and didactic elements hinder the child's creativity and even harm their emotional development. There is another important detail here: this is the child's world, and the game is his language.
Game Without Direction
Play without direction is games where the child's center is accepted. Here, the game setup and content are determined by the child, and if necessary, the child invites the adult to the game and directs the whole world. Non-directed play is important for the entire emotional development of the child. The thing that should not be skipped is that the child does not break his relationship while playing this game. While playing this game, the focus should be only on the child. It is important that you are comfortable and allow the child. Thus, the child will have the opportunity to throw away the negative burdens that he has suppressed and cannot cope with, as well as strengthen his bond with the adult who understands himself. They lose their sense because they are surrounded by adults who are stronger than them. Children often need aggressive and adult games to try and regain their strength. In games where the power lies with the child, children especially identify themselves with the stronger figures. These can sometimes be an aggressive animal, sometimes a superhero, and sometimes the people they see strong in the family. Especially in games like this � It is important to give the child roles that hold the fall. In such games, the child should always be allowed to eat, the adult should be given the opportunity to fall or scare him in the games he plays, and laughter should be provided. Laughing is a way of coping with a possible situation. The adult must appear weak, clumsy, and clumsy in games where the power lies with the child. While playing these games, children may sometimes go beyond the limits and want to use physical force. At this stage, the child should be reminded to set clear boundaries and that these games can only be played with you.
Symbolic Play
Children sometimes need to make sense of their situations by others. Sometimes, in situations that they cannot get out of or explain, the symbolic play setup facilitates the expression and coping of the child. Sometimes drama also enters this kind of playground. Children experience disappointments, problem solving skills and solutions through pretending roles. The symbolic game is actually an imaginary and directed game. It is the staging of a negative situation experienced by the child. Thus, children can transfer to the object in front of them more comfortably and without the need to suppress their emotions. Prepare a scene about a situation or emotion where you feel the child is struggling and invite the child to play. The important thing here is that the child is willing to play and the adult is encouraging for this game. These symbolic games, which are played without losing interest, are one of the games that help the child get to know himself/herself.
The Child's Back (Regressive) Games in Age
While children grow up developmentally, they also grow emotionally. However, sometimes children may have feelings below their age due to the difficulties they experience in some periods. Situations such as the arrival of a new sibling, moving, and arguments at home are challenging for children. Children may try to repair themselves and become stronger by regressing in the face of these difficulties. An important point that should be known in games that go back in age is not that the child is a baby again, but that he needs it. Sometimes children want to see themselves like a baby in these games. Don't crawl again, bib wanting to use hero and pacifier, childish speech are some of them. What should not be forgotten in these games is the emotional satisfaction of the child and the response to this need. While playing this game with the adult child, he should treat him like a baby in a fun way according to the needs of the child, and meet all his needs. Making fun of and humiliating the child should be strictly avoided in baby games.
Children tell a lot to adults through games. From time to time, parents may get bored or even find it pointless to play games. However, in this case, the child's unmet need for play may turn into a suppression of too much emotion in the child and a weakness in the bond established with the mother or father. Fathers as well as mothers should have children's playmates. If the child only plays with the mother, the father may become stronger and more difficult for him, even as someone he has to obey. Play is a responsibility of both mother and father. It is also extremely important that the parents are willing for this before each game is played, have fun with the child, and not interfere with the child's games. If you are encountering situations that are difficult, bored and you do not enjoy playing games, it is recommended to tell the child. Because it will be more valuable to tell the child this in case you do not want to play, rather than making you feel that you are bored and not enjoying while playing with the child. Like “I want to play with you too, but not right now, after a little rest”.
Remember, if the child's language is toys, games are his words.
Psychologist Gonca Cihan
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