Stage 1: Unoccupied Play
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In the early months of infancy, from birth to about three months, your child is busy in unoccupied play.
Children seem to be making random movements with no clear purpose, but this is the initial form of playing.
Unoccupied play is most commonly demonstrated in babies.
Everything is new to them and they are understanding the world around them. Whilst the baby tends to be in one place and makes seemingly random movements and gestures with no real objective. These movements are an attempt to learn about and move within their environment. Despite seeming like this is not a stage of play it is as it is setting the stage for future play exploration.
Positives of Unoccupied Play
- They develop self confidence.
- They learn about their environment.
Unoccupied play’ is followed by ‘Solitary play’ – playing alone – up to two years of age.
Renae (Seriously Kids)
Renae is the founder & CEO of SK who has been working with families for decades. Her educational background and experience in the Early Childhood sector, as well as Social Science and Community Services has provided a broad base to her approach which focuses on balancing the informative but never at the expense of providing an entertaining read.
From working in the private setting, not for profit, as well as government agencies and at times combining her love of travel and work on a global scale, she is also a mum who has experienced the poo blowouts, the shopping tantrums and the sleepless nights.
