The Playbook

      Consider keeping a “Playbook” — a notebook with ideas that apply to your child and tips from your reading and research. You can keep notes also of observations you make of your child’s play, her favorite activities, her “wish list,” and favorite toys. You might record birthday gifts and who gave them, and funny tidbits you want to remember years from now. You can keep photos of special toys, of the people who gave them, and of your child playing with them. The photos are a nice addition to the “Thank you!” note sent in your child’s own words or writing.

      Be sure to note the places where you were able to purchase the best toys. This would also be a good place to store your receipts and keep a list of the names of manufacturers you have found reliable.

       Observe Children at Play

      As has been mentioned, a parent who watches play patterns is versed in the child’s changing play needs.

      Play depends upon the young person’s willingness to experience her improvisations. It is her spirit—her inner being—that suggests unexpected twists and turns in her perceptions, that creates her laughter and funny faces, that turns a simple rock into a toad, a twig into an elf, a gesture into a regal dismissal of courtiers.

      Stimulate your little girl to draw from her inner self and infuse her playthings with her imagination. Provide her with boxes, fabrics, hats, and unusual props. They can give her a “warm-up” for more sophisticated playthings.

      Here are a few guidelines that apply to all children at play. You will find more specific information as we discuss types of products for each age.

      Expand your child’s playing repertoire. You may do this by introducing new toys gradually and allowing her to explore and discover new things. In the case of games she will need your assistance at first to learn to play by the rules. It’s fun to play with games of all kinds like Candy Land, Monopoly, Parcheesi, Othello, Scrabble, Apples to Apples, and of course, checkers, or chess with your child.

      Many toys are created for the child’s own self-discovery. Toys like LEGOs, Erector sets, Playmobil, Tinker Toys, and many other construction toys and wooden blocks open up hours of imaginative entertainment, involvement and pride of achievement.

      Your child has the ability to manipulate, to experiment, and to try new things. Children learn best in the early years by trial and error, observation and comparison, and discovery of their own abilities and those of others they may want to follow.

      Help your child be a good player, to take turns, to share, to learn how to win and to lose. Whether as a child or when grown to adulthood, a person who is a good loser and who does not quit is always a winner. A good loser is not just a being good sport; a good loser exerts confidence and knows that “losing” is just a temporary setback. If he keeps on playing he is on his way to ultimate success. Discovering this is a lesson in strength and stamina all kids need to master. Also consider selecting cooperative games that everyone plays and has fun finding solutions.

       Dr. Toy’s Tips on Child Observation

      Observe what occurs in your child’s play and write down important events in