The Benefits of Building Blocks
Category: Parenting Tips
August 23, 2024
Building Blocks as a Parent-Child Activity
How can stacking colorful blocks help your child solve problems? Building blocks is a parent-child activity our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program recommends for families. Playing with blocks not only helps kids work on fine motor skills, but also helps them work together, boost creativity, and spark a lifelong love of learning. The best part? When moms and dads participate, you’re also connecting with your child in an easy and engaging way. So, grab a bucket of blocks, clear some floor space, and let the fun (and the brain-building) begin!
Let’s Start Building!
For this activity, all you need is a play area that can handle a little mess and any building blocks you have at home. It’s great if they’re the same size because that makes them easier to stack but use what you have!
Sit on the floor with your child and the blocks. Being at their level is part of the benefit. This activity might look different depending on your child’s age.
With Infants
Engage your baby by stacking with them and encouraging them to reach and grab blocks around them. It’s not about them doing it “right.” If they’re not yet able to stack or aren’t interested in that goal, use the blocks to engage with your kid in other ways. For example, you can hold the block on your head and say, “on my head” and see if they copy it. Even if not, they’re sure to giggle!
Every tiny milestone, like grasping a block or attempting to stack, deserves celebration. Celebrating your baby’s wins will create a sense of connection and shared accomplishment between you and your baby. They’re also benefiting from the engagement, eye contact and language you’re bringing to the activity.
With Toddlers
As your child grows and their skills expand, you can encourage them to get creative. Guide your toddler to stack blocks on top of each other, “Can you stack the green block on top of this red block?” You’re working on colors, letters, turning the block, counting and more.
When stacks fall, or when things don’t go as planned, you should show support by saying, “It’s okay, let’s try again!” This response will promote problem-solving, confidence and language development for when things don’t go their way.
Benefits of Building Blocks
Beyond the joy of creation, building blocks offer a multitude of developmental advantages. They help kids learn to take turns, use language, understand colors, shapes, and letters, and much more! Plus, spending ten minutes playing can make your relationship even stronger. When young kids feel connected to their parents, all the daily routines of life are easier. That alone is worth the investment in this easy parent-child activity.
So, the next time you want to have fun and help your child’s mind grow, grab some building blocks. By including this activity in your routine, you’re not only having fun—you’re also helping your child grow and learn in many different ways. Happy building!
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We work with parents to address any concerns within the first three years, building success for a lifetime.
This activity is inexpensive and easy to do, plus it encourages working together on a task.
Parent-child activities promote learning and development, as well as encourage bonding and attachment.
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