Introduction

Does your child have trouble playing? How long does your child play? Do you know the type of game which is suitable for your child?

Play is a process of normal development seen in children which progress sequentially following experiences attained and adventures which include physical, cognitive and social involved during their development.

Type of Games for different age group

Games are categorized into 5 types of games according to the age of the child.

Identify abnormal characteristics of children’s development during play.

Play is essential in the development of intra-personal skills and social development in children. It is ideal for parent to be able to identify abnormal characteristic of play in their child. Abnormal characteristic in play includes:

• Fear of certain movements e.g. too fast, slow, high or low.
• Less active or interested in activities that involve sitting.
• Unable to use toys or games given appropriately according to age and does not show interest.
• Behavioral problem or overactive
• Inattentive
• Less interested in games related to the structure or form of order and Imagination
• Lack of social interaction or communication
• Limited speech.
• Not interested in playing or observe other children play.
• Does not want to explore new games, prefers playing the same repetition game
• Lack of interest and understand basic concepts such as numbers, letters, shapes and colors.
• Lack of abilities to plan games which involve the movement of motor, cognitive and behavioral.

Rehabilitation Approach

Parents play an important role in their child’s social development by providing support, guidance, time and space for their children.

Approaches that can be used to improve the development of children’s play includes:

• Ensure a more interactive environment for children such as bright room, toys which produce sounds to attract children.
• Introduce different types of sensory games such as jumping, crawling, throwing or catching a ball.
• Encourage group play and interaction among children.
•  Encourage children to take turns to participate in game.
• Combination of picture card to help in better understanding during play.

 In Malaysia, advisory services and related reference a child’s development can be done in all government and private hospitals. The professionals involved are Pediatrics Specialist, Medical Officer, Occupational Therapist and physiotherapist.