After celebrating the very special birthday of Prince George yesterday, speculation of the gifts for the future king has got parents reminiscing about their child’s first birthday. It seems that many parents would choose a more traditional toy over technology.
Parenting on Female First
Parents are opting for a more traditional toy, choosing board games or puzzles over technology focused games.
NCT- UK’s largest parent charity supported by Pampers- found that up to a third of mothers and fathers said they have never engaged in technology based play.
Computer games and smart phones are not recommended by parents during play time as 13% of both mothers and fathers reported that they would prefer not to have their children playing with these gadgets.
Parents prefer play that does not involve the use of toys. They enjoy physical and affectionate activities with their baby, such as cuddling and tickling.
Four out of five mothers said that playing peek-a-boo and making faces at their baby were very enjoyable activities. Fathers also found these activities were fun with 69% really enjoying playing peek-a-boo and 83% said that making faces at their baby was a really enjoyable activity.
Most parents believe that making time to play with your children should be there priority, and that ‘it is important for their development’. However, two thirds (60%) of parents reported that play should be for more than just fun, perhaps illustrating an emerging trend in society for a focus on ‘educating’ children from a very early age. The findings also suggest a possible lack of understanding that simply playful and fun interactions are a very valuable source of ordinary social, emotional and cognitive learning.
Dr Ellie Cannon, GP & Pampers Love, Sleep & Play Panellist said: “This new study is fascinating- whilst it is no secret that we as parents have become reliant on smart phones and social media to make our lives that little bit easier. It shows that when it comes to our children, we want to go back to basics and enjoy the simple activities that enable us to enjoy the bond between parent and baby in the purest form.”
Belinda Phipps, NCT CEO commented: “We wish Prince George a very happy first birthday and we are sure he will have lots of fun playing on his big day. Playing simple games can really strengthen the bond between a parent and child and is a valuable source of social, emotional and cognitive learning for a baby too. And it’s cheaper than using technology so puts less pressure on family budgets.”
To encourage parents to get back to basics when it comes to playing with their babies, Dr Ellie Cannon has compiled a list of ordinary household items that parents can use to play with their babies:
- Wooden spoon & saucepan – for banging, clapping & rhythm
- Plastic measuring jug – for water play or to become a hat or a drum
- Square of material e.g. napkin/scarf – for peek-a-boo
- Large cardboard box – for peek-a-boo or hide and seek
- Washing up liquid – for bubbles
For more information visit www.pampers.co.ukor http://www.nct.org.uk/first-1000-days-study