We talk often about the importance of play for children and chat about this false expectation that children automatically know how to share (they have to learn that skill).   

Especially when it comes to siblings and breaking up arguments over that week’s favorite toy.   

But have we talked about the developmental stages of play?   

If you’re thinking “what the heck is that?” allow me to explain.  As your child grows, the way they play changes and evolves.  And this has a huge impact on not only their behavior and how they interact with their peers and siblings, but also our expectations of them.  

You see, you can’t expect an 18-month-old to play the same way your 3-year-old plays- and I’ve found that once parents begin to understand the difference in play stages, it significantly reduces stress.  

When you have a more realistic view about what to expect from your children at certain ages, discipline stops becoming a power struggle and shallow compliance and becomes more of a skill-building opportunity.   

In this episode we´ll discuss: 

- What each play stage is 

- At which age you would typically see these different stages 

- Some examples of what play looks like during each stage 

- How to help siblings who are indifferent play stages play together

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