Article by Richa Dikshit

John Kotter has rightly quoted, “Good communication does not mean that you have to speak in perfectly formed sentences and paragraphs. It isn’t about slickness.” So with this thought, comes another question: What is communication then?

To make it simple, I would say – It is the essence of human interaction and learning. The nature of communication depends on the interaction between two or more people. On the basis of this interaction understanding between people takes place.

Communication has always been an integral part in building relationships. This is true for everyone: adults or children. When it comes to adults, it is lot more easily done than as compared to children.

The difference comes in as children are not as adept as adults in processing their emotions. To maintain a healthy and cordial communication with kids, one needs to keep a lot of things in mind. Studies have shown that adult interaction with children not only improves their understanding, but also develops them holistically.

UNICEF has laid down the principles for communicating with children. One of the major guidelines talks about- Communication with children should be age–appropriate and child friendly. When we look at this closely, what comes to my mind is: The best way to communicate with a child is through play. This is great way to be age-appropriate and child friendly.

As children play, they learn to solve problems. Kids learn to get along with people and enhance their gross and motor skills while playing. Play helps a child develop physical skills, cognitive concepts, social skills, language skills.

Parents are child’s first and best playmates. They can communicate with them easily at play. Children are more creative when parents get involved with them. The best communication happens when they play alongside the child. Playing with your child is more beneficial rather than just giving or supervising them with kids’ toys.

The act of playing with the child is not easy for some of the parents. As most of them feel, it is being “childish” to do such a thing. Since this works for the child, every parent must make an effort to play with the child.

Some effort would make it easier for them to accomplish this. Following steps like Observe, Follow and be creative is the key to crack this. Observe your child, as to what they are playing, follow them in sense: indulge with them in whatever they do and finally find out creative ways to play with them. Playing with Leapfrog Toys– Alphazoo Spinner is one such thing, involving parents and the child both.

To end up I would leave everyone with a thought by Fred Rogers “When we treat children’s play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that’s to be found in the creative spirit. It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”

About The Author:

Richa is the Founder of Toy Tasting, a video channel about toys. The channel releases 2 videos every week (Wed and Fri). Each video is released after receiving feedback from at least 3 families in the Toy Tasting panel. Formerly an investment banker with Merrill Lynch, Richa is based out of Mumbai, India- where she stays with her two daughters and husband.