Empowering Parents Through Play: Insights from Adam Griffin, OTR
As an occupational therapist, Adam Griffin, OTR, provides valuable insights into the importance of playful parenting in child development. I want to share the key takeaways from his interview during the Toddler Play Conference 2024.
The Power of Storytelling and Parental Empathy
Adam emphasized the significance of making storytelling an engaging and active experience, involving both the child and the parent. He stresses the importance of parents understanding a child’s perspective and fostering empathy. He says; “Making storytelling an engaging and active experience for both the narrator and the listener is crucial. It’s about involving the child in the story, bringing it to life, and immersing them in the narrative”.
Engaging Play Through Interactive Books and Social Interaction
Adam notes the use of picture books and interactive books to create joyful bonding experiences. He stresses the importance of social play and providing opportunities for children to interact with peers.
“Picture books and interactive books can create engaging and joyful bonding experiences for both the child and parent. These books offer opportunities for interactive reading and interaction,” Adam Griffin, OTR.
The Art of Patient and Active Engagement
In our interview, Adam highlights the importance of active engagement and setting realistic expectations during playtime. He emphasizes the need for parents to be patient and fully present, understanding the child’s whims and preferences during play interactions. “Parents need to be patient and fully present during playtime. It’s important to actively engage and set realistic expectations, paying attention to the child’s cues.”
Supporting Play and Therapy at Home
We talked about the importance of providing parents with actionable strategies for facilitating play and therapy at home. He discusses following the child’s lead and adapting the play environment to the child’s interests.
“We need to provide parents with a system of strategies for facilitating play and therapy at home. It’s about following the child’s lead and adapting the play environment to their interests and behaviors”
The Therapeutic Benefits of Play
Adam Griffin raised the therapeutic benefits of a child’s entire lived experience, emphasizing the value of imaginative play and sensory exploration in child development.
“Play goes beyond entertainment; it has therapeutic benefits for children’s learning and development. Imaginative play and sensory exploration are integral parts of a child’s growth,”
The Fluid Nature of Child-Led Play
Adam uses the analogy of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to explain the fluid and adaptive nature of child-led play, highlighting the importance of providing parents with clear, actionable strategies for everyday life.
“Child-led play is like Brazilian jiu-jitsu; it’s fluid and adaptive. We need to provide parents with clear, actionable strategies for everyday life,” Adam Griffin, OTR.
Supporting Outdoor and Sensory Play
Adam encourages outdoor play and sensory experiences for children’s development, emphasizing the benefits of nature-based play and allowing children to engage in sensory exploration. He says: “Outdoor play offers ample sensory experiences and learning opportunities for children. It’s about engaging with nature and allowing kids to explore and take risks”.
In our interview, as passionate promoters of play, we highlighted the remarkable impact of play on child development. Adam offered valuable insights for both parents and professionals.
By understanding the need for active engagement, empathy, and adaptability, parents can indeed become their child’s perfect play partner, nurturing their growth and development through meaningful and engaging interactions.