The Importance of Play: Developing Curiosity and Creativity
Laughter, play, and new backpacks filled the room as families gathered for our Confident Parenting Home Visiting (CPHV) Parent Connection Group, a monthly event hosted by the agency’s Home Visiting Program. The group is designed to bring families together, strengthen parent-child relationships, and provide education on child development.
A recent group held mid-July in the agency’s Santa Fe office, was themed “The Importance of Play” and as an added support for families preparing for the new school year backpacks were distributed to children in attendance. Approximately 50 backpacks were handed out to children and families. The "Play" theme held a meaningful reminder that some of the most important moments in parenting can happen through everyday interactions. For this gathering, the activity for families was playing with blocks which encouraged parent-child interaction, exploring shapes, textures, and objects, seeing how structures fall, learning about balance and patterns, and helping children develop creativity and visual-spatial skills
For those that couldn't attend in person, families also had the option to participate virtually.
This and other types of physical play can support children’s development and muscle strength; tummy time, for example, for babies strengthens their ability to reach and grab things. Peek-a-boo can provide squealing joy when a caregiver’s face temporarily disappears, then magically reappears. All play can promote curiosity, memory and learning.
During the group, caregivers reflected on the small moments that have made a difference in their relationships with their children and encouraged one another through honest conversations. “It was inspiring to see families connect not only with our Home Visitors, but also with other parents who are navigating similar joys and challenges,” explained Program Manager Silvia Romero. Additionally, through this and future involvement, caregivers will learn more about the program’s Parents as Teachers curriculum and other resources available to support their family's growth.
Families left with more than backpacks, but with new connections, practical ideas to bring play into everyday routines, and the reassurance that they are part of a supportive community, and hopefully a lasting impact that reaches far beyond a single group gathering.
Ms. Romero added after the event, “I couldn't be more proud of our team. Our Home Visitors work incredibly hard to build meaningful relationships with families and provide culturally responsive, individualized support. Seeing families choose to attend because they feel connected and supported is one of the greatest indicators that our work is making a difference in the community.”