Dr. Erika Westreich’s Post

We often worry when our children spend hours playing- wondering if it's time well spent. But what if play is actually shaping them into the amazing humans they’re destined to be? Let’s be honest: how many times have we nudged our kids toward games just to keep them entertained while we tackle our to-do lists? Yet, play isn’t just about staying busy- it’s where the magic of learning, growing, and connecting begins. Think back to our own childhoods in the 80s and 90s. That first wobbling block tower, the exhilaration of hide-and-seek behind the trees—those moments weren’t just fun; they were foundational. Each tumble of the tower taught us resilience. Every game of tag sharpened our teamwork. Every role in make-believe nurtured our creativity. Through play, children learn patience when things don’t go their way, confidence when they’re the leader, and empathy when they take turns. These moments are more than just games; they’re life lessons disguised as fun. As parents, we hold a unique privilege- to witness and shape this incredible journey. When we join their world of make-believe, cheer them on during a race, or simply allow them the space to play freely, we’re not just creating memories. We’re cultivating skills no classroom can ever fully teach. So, the next time you’re tempted to brush off playtime, stop. See it for what it truly is: a powerful investment in your child’s mind, heart, and future. Whether it’s a messy art project, a board game marathon, or a silly dance-off in the living room, these moments are the ones that matter most. What’s your child’s favorite game? And what incredible skills have you seen them pick up along the way? Let’s celebrate the power of play! #parenting #consciousparenting #mindfulness #linkedin

Small Packets Have Big Hearts and No Greed: Lessons from Childhood Play In college, we often focus on the grand achievements and the big goals ahead. Yet, sometimes it's the smaller moments and simple joys that leave the most lasting impressions. Recently, I came across a heartwarming image of kids enjoying a carefree playtime. Ever seen a kid’s face light up over a small treat or a simple game? It’s a powerful reminder that joy often comes in the smallest packages. In the hustle of college life, it's easy to get caught up in the big goals and deadlines, but sometimes it’s the little moments that truly matter. Celebrate the small victories, cherish spontaneous laughs with friends, and embrace moments of simplicity. These small, meaningful interactions can be as fulfilling as any major achievement. So, as we navigate the ups and downs of student life, let’s stay grounded in the joy of simple pleasures. Keep smiling, keep appreciating the little things, and remember: IT'S OFTEN THE SMALLEST MOMENTS THAT MAKES THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE! #CollegeLife #JoyInTheLittleThings #StayInspired #StudentJourney #storytelling #linkedinfam #behappy

I wanted to bring something to your attention. Play is PRICELESS 🤸 No matter how old you are and how disconnected from it you have become…it’s for everyone. Playing is a power move for your career. Play helps you know yourself on a deeper level Play helps you think about things differently Play is problem solving & learning Play is where other needs & wants get met Play is where you connect with yourself Play is a gateway to creativity …and at its core, play is about FUN. It’s never a waste of time despite what you’ve been conditioned to believe. When we connect with play, invite playful activities into our lives, live curiously & with an openness to newness, it can & does transform our daily landscape ✨ If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work and heading for burnout town you’ll be encouraged to embrace rest, to chill out, relax & put your feet up. Yet there’s a whole other part of you that needs something else. You need to play 🤸 #PlayRestAndWork #PlayMore #MidlifeWomensCoach #PlayOnPurpose #CorporateWomensCoach #OutOfOffice #JustForFun #BecauseIWantTo

The Surprising Power of Unstructured Play As parents, we're obsessed with providing enrichment opportunities for our kids. 🤝🏻 But one of the most developmentally powerful activities may be the simplest: unstructured play! This open-ended, self-directed play boosts crucial skills: 🌻Creativity & Problem-Solving: Kids innovate games, build forts, and negotiate conflicts, flexing their imagination.🫂 🌻Constructivist Learning: Through pretend play, they make sense of the world at their own pace.👍🏻 🌻Physical Abilities: The running, jumping, and climbing develops motor skills and strength.💪🏻 🌻Social & Emotional Skills: Navigating group play's ups and downs teaches cooperation and self-regulation.❤️ In our achievement-focused world, we can't underestimate the importance of this unstructured exploration time. ✅ It allows children to organically cultivate creativity, resilience, confidence and so many foundations for future success.✨ So in addition to enrolled activities, protect ample playtime! Let your kids engage in joyful, self-directed discovery. Their cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth depends on it.❤️ #parenting #parentingfact #parenthood #suniltyagi

Unlock Your Child's Potential with Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular activities, like sports, music, or art, teach kids new skills. They also help them work better with others and solve problems. These activities build confidence and make kids happier. It’s not just play—it’s learning important skills for life! 🌟 Want your child to grow and learn through exciting activities? Enroll in our program today! 🌟 #ExtracurricularActivities #ChildDevelopment #ConfidenceBuilding #EnrollNow #AstralAcademy

🧩🎲 Let's embark on a playful journey of problem-solving and teamwork with our puzzle party extravaganza! 🎉🧩 Gather your little puzzle enthusiasts and get ready for a brain-boosting adventure: 1️⃣ Choose your puzzles – select a variety of puzzles suited to different ages and difficulty levels. 2️⃣ Set the stage – create a cozy puzzle corner with cushions and blankets for comfort. 3️⃣ Collaborate and conquer – work together to solve puzzles, encouraging communication and teamwork. 4️⃣ Celebrate success – rejoice in each completed puzzle and applaud everyone's contributions. 5️⃣ Level up – increase the challenge with larger or more intricate puzzles as skills develop. Have a puzzle party where every piece brings us closer together! 🎉🧩 #PuzzleParty #ProblemSolving #Teamwork #KidsActivities #EducationalFun #ArmelleForKids #BrainBoost #CriticalThinking #CollaborativePlay #ChildhoodDevelopment #PuzzlePlay #LearningThroughPlay #MindfulPuzzling #TogetherIsBetter #FunWithFriends #EducationalGames #JigsawJoy #FamilyFun #PuzzleMania #CreativeThinking #InteractiveLearning #ChildhoodMemories #PuzzlePassion #BrainTeasers #PlayfulLearning #PuzzlePerfection 🌟🧩

Playtime isn’t just playtime —it’s a powerful tool for growth! 🌼🌈 🧩 Cognitive Skills: Every puzzle piece and strategy game transforms playtime into brain-boosting moments. As your child engages in play, their problem-solving abilities flourish, and their creativity takes flight. 🏃♂️ Motor Skills: Climbing, jumping, and running aren’t just fun activities; they’re essential for refining physical coordination. Watch your child’s confidence soar as they master these movements through play. ❤️ Emotional IQ: Group play fosters friendships and empathy. As your child interacts with peers, they learn to understand emotions, share, and collaborate. These social skills are the building blocks of a compassionate heart. 🗣️ Talking & Listening: Conversations during playtime are like mini language workshops. Your child absorbs vocabulary, hones communication skills, and gains confidence in expressing themselves. Follow now to never miss valuable insights for your child's growth! 🌻 . . . #childdevelopment #playtime #playbasedlearning #learningeveryday #learningthroughplay #preschoolisfun #preschoolactivity #Mohali #GlobalFlowers

At Good Shepard Pre-School, we know that playtime is more than just fun and games, It’s a crucial part of every child’s development. Through playtime, we develop the little ones' ; Cognitive Development: Through play, children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. It stimulates their imagination and helps them understand the world around them. Language Skills: Play often involves communication, whether it’s with peers or during imaginative scenarios. This helps expand vocabulary and improves language skills. Social Skills: Playing with others teaches kids about teamwork, sharing, and empathy. They learn how to cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. Physical Health: Active play keeps kids moving, contributing to their overall physical fitness and helping build strong bones and muscles. Emotional Well-being: Play is a natural stress reliever. It helps children express their emotions, develop self-confidence, and build resilience. Creativity and Imagination: Whether it’s building a castle out of blocks or pretending to be superheroes, play nurtures creativity and encourages innovative thinking. Ask your little what their favourite playtime activity is & share with in the comments, then enrol them into a pre-school that caters for all their learning needs. Contact us on 76 139 120 to schedule a tour of our facilities. #PlaytimePower #HealthyKids #ChildDevelopment #PreschoolFun #LearningThroughPlay

Nearly every one of us starts out playing naturally. As children, we don’t need instruction on how to play. We just find what we enjoy and do it - Stuart Brown Children view the world through an emotional lens; almost like a 6th sense. PLAY is how they learn. PLAY is how they connect and bond. PLAY is how they release stress, tension and frustration. PLAY is the work of children. ⁠ 🎨 Sensory Play: Diving into textures, smells, and sensations that ignite their senses, fostering curiosity and understanding of the world.⁠ ⁠ 🌈 Imaginative Play: Embarking on fantastical journeys as superheroes, explorers, or characters from their wildest dreams, where creativity knows no bounds.⁠ ⁠ 🏃♂️ Physical Play: Racing, jumping, and climbing – this play builds strong bodies and boosts confidence as they conquer new physical feats.⁠ ⁠ 👫 Social Play: Sharing, collaborating, and interacting with peers, cultivating valuable social skills and the art of communication.⁠ ⁠ 👥 Parallel Play: Engaging alongside peers without direct interaction, allowing them to build comfort in a shared environment.⁠ ⁠ 🔄 Repetitive Play: Doing the same activities over and over, which is how they master new skills and concepts.⁠ ⁠ 🏗️ Constructive Play: Building, creating, and designing with blocks, LEGO, or other materials, honing problem-solving and spatial awareness.⁠ ⁠ 🎯 Special-interests Play: Deep diving into a particular interest, nurturing expertise and passion while expanding their knowledge.⁠ ⁠ 🔍 Object-focused Play: Investigating and exploring objects, developing an understanding of how things work and what they're used for.⁠ ⁠ 🔧 Manipulative Play: Using their hands and fingers to manipulate objects like puzzles, strengthening fine motor skills and cognitive development.⁠ ⁠ Play is a dynamic, ever-evolving adventure. Share in the comments how your little ones embrace these forms of play and inspire others to embark on their unique play journey. 🌟🎈⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #conciousparenting #connection #connectionvillage #creativeplay #holisticsleepcoaching #nurturingconnections #parentingjourney #parentsvillage #playfullearning #village #waystoplay

Play Time with Kids: A Parenting Essential! 🎨🌟 Spending time playing with your little ones is more than just fun—it’s crucial for their emotional and physical development. Here’s why playtime with mom is invaluable: 1.Helps deal with difficult emotions 🤗 Play allows children to express their feelings in a safe environment and helps them cope with challenging emotions. 2.Supports physical skills 🏃♂️ Whether it’s running, jumping, or balancing, play is essential for developing motor skills. 3.Encourages self-regulation 🧠 Through games, kids learn patience, turn-taking, and how to handle their impulses. 4.Fosters emotional regulation 💖 Play offers opportunities to develop emotional intelligence, aiding in understanding and controlling feelings. 5.Builds stronger relationships 🤝 Bonding through play strengthens the relationship between parents and children. 6.Promotes psychological well-being 🌈 A healthy mind grows from the safety and joy that comes from shared moments of fun and laughter. Take some time out today to engage in meaningful play with your child—it’s one of the best gifts you can give! 🌟 #ParentingTips #PlayTime #HealthyDevelopment #MomAndKids #EmotionalWellBeing