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Take Time for Play to Improve Your Child’s Problem Solving and Social Development

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 49-50 Month Old Child

Play is fun but it also helps children grow and develop in many ways such as:

  • Physical development- because play often involves physical activity, it helps with gross and fine motor skills and body awareness.
  • Social development- children need to belong and feel part of a group. Play helps children learn social skills, how to handle being left out sometimes, leadership, how to share power, space and ideas with others.
  • Mental development- play helps children learn to plan, problem-solve, learn language, and learn other skills and attitudes needed in school.

Young children whose parents play with them regularly tend to do better in problem solving, cognitive skills, and exploring the environment around them.


Learn more about Your Child: 49-50 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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