Hey Evo dads and parents,
One thing I’ve really been trying to be more mindful of lately is how my little one is actually communicating during playtime. I used to think my job was to introduce a bunch of toys and activities, but I’ve started noticing how much richer playtime becomes when I just… observe.
For example, I was trying to get my little one interested in their stacking rings the other day, demonstrating how they fit together. But they kept reaching past them, fixated on the crinkly tag on a nearby blanket. Instead of redirecting, I just handed them the blanket. They spent a solid five minutes mouthing, crinkling, and exploring that tag, totally absorbed.
It made me realize how much our babies are constantly telling us what they’re interested in, even before they can talk. A focused gaze, a specific reach, a happy babble, or even a subtle turn of the head – these are all cues. When we pick up on them and follow their lead, playtime feels less like us ‘teaching’ or ‘entertaining’ and more like a true shared experience. It builds their confidence and deepens our connection when they feel seen and understood in their play.
What kinds of play cues have you noticed your baby giving? How do you adjust your playtime to follow their lead and make it more engaging for them?