Playing helps children to learn, develop and, of course, have fun and let off steam. If possible, have a variety of toys of different shapes, colours and textures available. Often it’s the simple toys rather than the all-singing, all-dancing ones that get the most attention. Toys that allow children to use their imaginations are terrific, as are toys that make a noise – so long as that noise isn’t going to drive you to distraction!

You’ll be amazed at how creative children can be with ordinary, everyday objects. Boxes, paper and cushions all make great toys for little ones to play with and learn from. Try building a house with sofa cushions that a child can climb inside, or a tent with a clotheshorse and a blanket, or a home for their favourite toys out of a cardboard box. It’s true what parents say – there’s often as much pleasure to be had from the box the toy came in as the toy itself!

Running around, chasing or playing ‘catch’ are great ways for children to use up some of their boundless energy supply. This kind of play helps to develop gross motor skills and balance, plus it keeps children at a healthy weight and strengthens their immune systems. And just because a child has come down the slide once doesn’t mean it’s time to move on to the next activity. Let your little one say when they’re ready to move on.

Just as there are times for energetic and noisy play, it’s also important to allow time for quiet play. Puzzles and matching games are important because they help a child to develop hand-eye co-ordination. And don’t forget to read aloud to your child, as this is crucial for helping your tot to develop language and reading skills later. Quiet time allows you and your child to bond in a cosy, relaxed way, just as much as the more boisterous play sessions do.

Rotate your child’s toys regularly, storing some away, to be brought out at a later date. If you do this, there will always be a steady supply of ‘fresh’ toys on stand-by, ready to make a welcome and exciting re-appearance at a moment’s notice. Doing this will also stimulate creativity and brain development all over again, and mean your tot’s play things will never get so boring they become part of the furniture.

Banging a drum, blowing a whistle and shaking a rattle are tremendous ways to promote co-ordination through play while having fun. Marching and dancing to music are excellent for heart, lung and bone health. Try playing music in the background too – exciting music for running, chasing or leaping-around games, and more soothing music when concentration is required. Play classical music as well as pop tunes to inspire your child and create the mood you want.

Provided it’s safe, allow your child the freedom to play with whatever they want to. This enables your little one to explore, create and experiment. Let your child play with things how they want to, not how you think they should. Resist the temptation to step in and show your child what to do, unless they ask for help or are getting frustrated. And don’t rush to complete something for them. Children learn from the journey of discovery as much as from the successful completion of a game, puzzle or brick-building task.

Relax, enjoy yourself and act like a big kid too. If there’s one thing that being a parent gives you permission to do, it’s to let your hair down and be completely ridiculous without feeling remotely embarrassed. Because you’re pulling those funny faces and making those strange noises to entertain your little one, no-one could possibly criticise you for behaving like a complete idiot. Being silly and childlike will help to relieve your stress, too.

Role-play helps children learn how to do things and how to behave. A pretend tea party with all the teddies can teach a child about good manners, such as when to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Pretending to go for a drive could be used to help your tot learn about road safety. Pretending to visit the dentist or doctor will make the real-life experience less traumatic. Hide-and-seek is an all-time favourite and in many families, playing ‘monsters’ is very popular – friendly monsters, that is.

It’s hard to think of anything more wonderful than the pure laughter of a child. You know they’re happy when they’re laughing and their laughter is infectious, too. Laughter gives us an energy boost and helps relieve stress, which – as any parent will tell you – is always welcome. Laughter, after all, is the best medicine.