Hello Baby, I Love You! Abc's for Young MomsSample

P

is for Play

Play, remember like it was yesterday, we were young and playful! Playing our cares away!

Babies love to play and they learn when they play. We can maximize their joy and ours when we understand their stage of development and interact with them in play. Special bonding happens and you discover the personality, nature, and likes and dislikes of your child.

Time is much different for your baby. You may feel like you have to be playing with them all day long but 5-10-15 minute segments of time here and there in the midst of your day is perfect.

Making time to play is special and your baby will look forward to it. For babies, play is not just about toys, it’s about interacting with mom or dad. One of the key ways you build a relationship with your infant is by meeting them on their level. Just as Christ came to earth that we might know God. Spending time in play affirms your baby and helps them know you and know that they are loved and valued. Play also nurtures their development—anything from singing a song, reciting a nursery rhyme, playing with their toes, to mimicking the sounds they make. Smiling and rocking back and forth with your infant as he or she sits in your lap is all kinds of fun!

Very early on, even at two months, babies become more curious about the world around them. The simplest things are an adventure to them. Even a journey around their room or your home is a discovery! Initially, they don’t “play” with toys, but they are eager to explore the objects and engage with the people they see every day. Age-appropriate loving and playful experiences help your baby learn and grow.

READ the SCRIPTURE

May God give you encouragement, wisdom, and understanding.

RESPOND in WORSHIP

Worship the Lord with your heart, soul, mind, and with your life. Record your thoughts, observations, and prayers in a journal or on your Notes app on your phone.

Take the Truth to Heart: Choose one Scripture that the Lord is using to renew your mind and transform your heart today.

Ask yourself, what is God revealing to me through this Scripture?

Bring the Truth to Life: Think of ways you can practically apply this Scripture.