Here’s How I Support My Kids to Play Together

Yep, they fight.

But instead of expecting anything different from two infants with underdeveloped, impulsive brains, I’m actively supporting them to learn how to play together by joining in.

Play doesn’t have to be perfect or peaceful to be successful. It’s a skill! And guess what, skills need support.

How I Support Siblings to Play Together

I've done a lot of trial and error, and some days it works, some days it doesn't. But here are some starting points for you if you're struggling with keeping the peace between siblings at the moment.

1️⃣ Choose an activity they’re both into

2️⃣ Bring their favourite toys into the play

3️⃣Model language they can use during play
Simple phrases like:
“Can I have some cake please?”
“Do you want some tea?”
“Here you go!”

4️⃣ I don’t expect them to interact with each other
This takes pressure off, parallel play is still play.

5️⃣ I respond to each child at their own level
Etta wants me to receive food items and pretend I’m eating them.
August wants me to feed his dinosaurs and talk about which ones are carnivorous and how to tell.

6️⃣ I gently suggest involving each other
If Etta offers me food, I might say:
“Ooh, are you hungry, August? Would you like some of Etta’s cake?”

Or:
“August, give Etta some sushi and see if your T-Rex will eat food out of her hand.”

This way, they’re participating in each other’s play story without being forced.

7️⃣ Keep it short and sweet
There’s no pressure to be there or play for long, in fact a short time of successful play is better than a longer time if it ends in a bit of a fight or disagreement. When I saw energy spiking we packed this all up and made an obstacle course together!!