Water play

Almost all children love to play in water, whether it's splashing in puddles or getting drenched in the washing-up bowl. Water play can be a very cheap way of keeping children of all ages occupied for hours, whether indoors or outside. The following tips can help children get the most out of water play.

On warm days a paddling pool will delight children of all ages. A big plastic bowl of water and plenty of containers and toys is the next best thing. There are few children who are not almost endlessly amused by filling containers with water and pouring it out! Collect plastic bottles, funnels, boxes and sieves and experiment with the different shapes and how they hold water. Show your child how different materials float and some sink. Get them to guess which of a group of objects will float and which wont. Remember to be careful of sun-protection being washed off and top up lotion as often as you can. The water will keep the child cool but skin can still be damaged so wear hats!

Use the water to water plants in the garden, younger children especially enjoy wandering around with a watering can. Let them keep plants of their own which they can water and take care of. Why not give pets a drink at the same time, another activity younger children really enjoy.

Indoors, many parents find that their children can spend hours bathing and washing' their toys. Toys which are safe to immerse in water can be plunged in the bath and the children tend to mimic the adult who washes them. The water provides a whole other brand new environment for children to play with familiar toys. In no time new games, stories and role-plays are discovered, often bringing new life to old toys. Make litle model boats to said in the bath or in a local pond and have races to amuse older children. Keep a very close eye on children around water, the minute you look away tends to be the minute they fall in! Take dry clothes in case of accidents or splashes!

Water play is endlessly inventive and exciting for children, and it can be educational too. A child who plays in water is much less likely to be afraid of water when older and takes to swimming much quicker. Of course, supervision is essential, so why not join in?

Learn more about this author, Arlene Copeland.
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