Expert reassures parents children can learn plenty at home

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Play is irresistible to the human nervous system and the untold secret about playing with your child is that you too will derive much the same benefits: it’s win – win”. “But afterwards, don’t expect to have a perfect house - we just have to let go a little bit.” As part of the Creating Happy Memories campaign, actress and celebrity mum Gemma Atkinson and her three-year-old daughter Mia teamed up with Fisher Price to highlight some simple ways to engage with your child including junk modelling and nature play. “It’s massively important to play with our children and the resources that go with this campaign gives lots of lovely inspiration and tips for doing this over the summer with low-cost activities that are really fun and packed full of learning opportunities for the little ones.” Lisa Lohiser, Early Childhood Development expert at the Fisher-Price Play Lab, added: “Research has shown that play equals learning in the early years, and learning is boosted when children play with others, especially a caregiver. “Engaging in different types of play, such as exploratory, role play or block play is also important to whole child development.” To access the Creating Happy Memories play resources please visit: www.family-action.org.uk/creating-happy-memories