Yes, you heard right; “It’s floortime!” Get your hands off of your hips, take off your apron, get off the tube, get off the computer, and get on the floor with your child and have some fun. Yes, get your bum on the floor, and be ready to act like a four-year-old. So, forget about supper and the endless to-do list. We all know that chores are never-ending.

All you need is ten minutes of floortime although some experts believe twenty to twenty-five is ideal, but from my experience, ten minutes is the magic number. Do this every day, any time of day, with your child. I know it sounds like nothing, but every minute counts in our fast-pace lives. My kids may not be preschoolers anymore, but I have a daycare of forty kids; therefore, I know exactly what children need. They need to bond with their teachers and this is done through quality floortime.

When I play “pretend” in the corner of my pre-k class, it doesn’t take much to hear them giggling and responding to my body language. Having this interaction makes me smile. There’s an adage that says, “The reward for doing good, is life.” I get my reward through the children’s smiles and giggles. I joke and act silly with them because I always get a positive response; they all start laughing and then hugging me. Later, when it is time to clean up, I notice they focus on what I have to say. The children look at me differently after having seen my funny side. They know I understand their world and that not all adults are so serious.

As a parent, the same idea applies. Get on the floor and play with dinosaur toys, Lego, Barbie dolls, or anything that your child likes. No matter how silly you may feel at first, you’ll get more comfortable as you do this activity more often. You’ll understand that playing with your child is more rewarding for you than it is for them!

I think that as caregivers, teachers, parents, etc., we need to realize that bonding is the first step in getting our children to listen to us. I know this method has worked with my kids even though they are no longer preschoolers. Every night at my house, we have “the tuck-ins”. My daughter and my son wait for me to tuck them in. During those five to ten minutes we talk about various subjects, we kiss and hug, and we tell each other how much we love one another. My floortime has evolved into my “tuck-in time”. I no longer go on the floor and play with my children, but I still hold on to those memories that emphasized the importance of bonding.

“Are you going to tuck me in first?” My daughter asks. Then I hear my son yelling from his room, “I’m waiting for you!” I look at the clock; it’s 9;30 and it’s already passed both their bed time. I haven’t finished doing the dishes or organizing the kitchen. Because my son is older, I tell him I’ll be there soon. In the meantime, I snuggle next to my daughter in her bed, talking about her day, my day and whatever is on our minds.

This time is essential for all parents. It gives us the opportunity to learn about our children’s needs and concerns. Since toddlers and preschoolers can’t express themselves well, play time gives us the opportunity to find out some answers. Although teenagers communicate better, they still need close time to express themselves. Your children need to feel safe and secure no matter what age. Establishing a floortime and tuck-in time at an early age, helps children open up and express their concerns.

As a child to immigrant parents, who didn’t have the time or the knowledge back then, I even try to have bonding time with them. This time gives us a chance to talk about their ailments, my job, and any other subjects. The connection between children and parents is an ongoing process. Back in the 80s, making Greek coffee and cooking was considered quality time spent with my mom. Nowadays, we want more. We want to give our children everything we didn’t have and even more. So when I switch off the lights and the house is quiet, my heart is filled with joy knowing I’m doing a good job as as a parent, an educator, and as a teacher.


About the Author;
 Christina Strigas is the owner and operator of Garderie Educative Bilingue Face a Face.
Her writing and poetry is on her blog; www.christinastrigas.wordpress.com
Her ebook will be published soon in Fall 2014, a paranormal romance with a twist.