Day 29:Sibling Play

There have been some really cool studies done recently about sibling play time and their future relationships as adults.  One study, done by Dr. Laurie Kramer, shows that siblings who play together as children have closer relationships as adults. Read more about the study here.  Studies like these show just how important it is that siblings play together. 

There are parents out there that schedule time out of the day called “sibling playtime” where it’s a set time just for sibling play.  I like this idea. Currently, I only have one child, so there is no sibling playtime.  We plan on expanding our family and when that time comes you better bet that we’re going to make sibling play a priority.

Here’s why:

• Helps build better adult relationships between siblings
• They learn how to solve their problems together, take turns, and compromise.
• Builds a stronger, closer, loving relationships.  If you move a lot like us, siblings will sometimes be the only playmates your children will have in a new place for a while.  It’s nice if they can play together.
• Learn appreciation and love for their siblings

But…most families experience some sibling fights.  According to Dr. Kramer, young siblings argue or fight 3.5 times an hour!  Parents worry that their children who fight will grow up hating each other.  But, Dr. Kramer has found that siblings who fight with each other, but also play together, have closer relationships as adults than children who never fought or played together.  So, parents should focus less on the fighting and more on playing.  Interesting huh?

Activity #29:  Find a box!

My cousin recently found a cardboard box that is shaped like a spaceship.  Her 6 year old daughter, and 3 year old son colored and played with that box for hours together one afternoon.  Taking a lead from them, find some boxes around your house or ask a grocery store for left over boxes, and see what kind of fun can come out of it!  You’d be amazed at what children can do with a box!  I’ve even taken the bags out of cereal boxes and used those boxes for playtime.  Young children can explore boxes just as easily as older children…so they’re good for everyone!

Tomorrow: Independent Playtime