Video transcript

Narrator: Play is how children learn. It builds their social, emotional and thinking skills, and it gives them the chance to practise all the skills they’ve learned since birth. When your child starts school, their day becomes more structured, with lots of rules to follow, so giving your child some time for free play after school is really important.

Playing outside gives your child more space and freedom for big movements like running and jumping, which is good for their health, fitness and physical development. Your child can play favourite games, test their physical limits and build self-confidence as they take on new challenges.

At this age, your child likes to choose their own friends. Playing with friends helps your child build social skills, like taking turns, cooperating and playing fair. Your child is more sensitive to other children’s needs, so you might find them comforting friends who are hurt or upset. And your child is getting better at managing their emotions, so they might not have as many unexpected outbursts of anger or sadness.

Your child is also becoming more independent, but they still need your love and attention. Your support and encouragement give them confidence to try new things and develop new skills. And the everyday things you do with your child, like going shopping, preparing lunch, reading and playing together, are all important interactions that help your child develop well.

Shopping together can be a great way for your child to learn about different foods – their names, colours, textures and how they grow. Making a shopping list together also builds your child’s language skills. And when you choose food and pay for it, your child can learn about counting and adding up. There’s also the chance to develop social skills through talking to shop assistants and other people you meet in your community.

Starting school is an important change in your child’s life, and you can support your child by helping them get their uniform, lunch box and bag prepared before their first day. You can also try making after-school time a bit special, with a healthy snack and a chat together. It helps to remember that school can tire children out, so time to relax after school is good for your child too.

Development happens in a similar order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your child’s development is on track, or if you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. You can make an appointment to talk to your GP.

For more information on child development and how to spot concerns, you can visit raisingchildren.net.au.