Ames Public Library: Learning To Play

Ames IA

29 September, 2021

4:13 PM

Description

Press release from the Ames Public Library: September 29, 2021 Quite a few years ago, my husband and I brought home our first child.  He went back to work after a few days.  I stayed home with our daughter.  I held her, fed her, bathed her, rocked her, and repeated all of that until I couldn't stand it anymore.  My husband and I had planned for me to stay at home. I wanted to be home with her.  It wasn't that I didn't love her, and I certainly wanted the best for her.  I just didn't know what to DO with her.  I had never been around babies, and though I had been assured that it would come naturally, it didn't. Finally, I called my best friend, a professional baby expert, and, in desperation, asked, "What do I do with her all day?" A few days later, I received a packet in the mail detailing how to play with a baby.  And, slowly but surely, my brain started to come up with all sorts of ways that my baby and I could enjoy being together.  And, eventually, all the talking, singing, and playing with my daughter felt natural, even though it truly was a learned skill. So, how can you enjoy your time spent with a baby or young child?  The youth staff at Ames Public Library has a few suggestions: Hmmm. Notice anything about those suggestions?  All of those tips are great at any age!  And when you use one tip, you may find that you are also using some of the others at the same time.  When you read, you may find you and your child are also having a conversation about the book.  And when you play ball with your child, they are also building hand muscles for writing.  So, sing, play, read, write, and talk with your child.  It's good for them and for you!  If you need more ideas on how to interact with a child, check out the Events Calendar in Ames Public Library's Page One newsletter or at www.amespubliclibrary.org for storytimes and other happenings at the library.  Or just come see me and I can tell you what I've learned! This press release was produced by the Ames Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.