People who work in the field of Early Childhood know the importance of those first years. Early Childhood sets the groundwork for learning, relating and self esteem. Not only do our children need time to read and count - they also need time to play.

The National Institute for Play shares:

The NIFP believes that as play is woven into the fabric of social practices, we will dramatically transform our personal health, our relationships, the education we provide our children and the capacity of our corporations to innovate.

Numerous studies, over the years, have indicated that people who laugh and enjoy their days live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Is playing and goofing around a difficult thing to do? Does is cost a lot of money?

Nah.

Check out these 20 photos for a few ideas, to get you thinking!

Up in the air! High - low - high - low - laugh and laugh!

Whoo Hoo - airplane ride!

Wear rubber gloves while coloring - why not? It's so silly it's fun!

Eat yogurt outside, in the playhouse, until you're all messy and sticky! (Then jump in a bath and splash around to get clean)

Stand on a rock and shout, "I'm king (or queen) of the hill!"

Play with an old fashioned marble run (Yeah - I know there are people who worry about choking - we watch our kids closely but we do let them play. There's no marble eat'n going on in our home; no worries.)

If you laugh hard enough, your big brother will want to come and join the fun:

Daddy can pull us around in the laundry basket - what fun!

Let me try! It's my turn now! I can help push!

Dance around to music while playing kitchen utensil instruments!

Fill up your basinet with all sorts of toys, books and games. Then try to climb out:

Put a toy puppy carrier on your head and yell: "I'm taking MYSELF for a walk! HAHA!"

Daddy can tickle us with his foot until we belly laugh!

Plan an outdoor (or back yard) scavenger hunt...even the older kids will get involved in this one:

Swings are always good for a smile and a giggle!

Dress up in funny clothing, go for a walk and make funny faces while yelling, "GRRRRRR!"

Throw caps all over the floor and SWISH them everywhere!

Dance and spin around and around with Daddy - until you both fall down!

Jump on the couch and laugh so hard, you pee your pants (or in this case - your diaper):

If all else fails, and you can't think of anything to do to provoke a laugh - go hug a tree.
Post the picture on facebook and write, "Be honest with me, friends. Do you think I've turned into a tree hugger?"

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kids Perks and Personal Child Stories. She has a background in early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.