Research suggests that play in youngsters is not just about making a mess and having fun, but it also helps to develop your child's cognitive, emotional and physical development

The secret to playing with kids is to leave inhibitions at the door. You have to be prepared to throw yourself into being a shopkeeper, a dragon, a fairy or a hopping rabbit, and once you do, both you and your child will have great fun.

Here are some play tips that will suit the different stages of your child's development:

Babies

While many think newborns are pretty unresponsive to play, research shows that between three and four months you will start to notice a difference in his or her development.

In the first year babies begin developing their fine motor skills, and start to communicate with different cries and gestures.

How to play:

• Encourage communication using cooing, tongue clicks and good old raspberry blowing. Your baby will start to learn that his or her babbles and cooing get a response from you. For example, a smile will result in big cuddles from mum!
• Play peek-a-boo. Around eight months your baby will learn that objects and people still exist even when they can't see them. Play peek-a-boo while he or she is in their cot, and start hiding objects under cushions or towels asking 'where could teddy be?'
• Encourage reaching and grasping. As your baby begins to understand clenching and reaching for things, hold things just in front of them and encourage them to reach out and grab them, be it a rattle, a bottle or a dummy.

One year olds

This year is the big year as it is usually around the time your baby will start to make their first tentative steps and say their first words.

They become much more curious and exploratory as he or she begins to understand that they are their own individual person.

How to play:

• The more you chat to your child, the more they will respond. Put on different voices and have his or her toys talk to each other. It doesn't matter what you say!
• When they start to take their first steps, encourage them to kick small balls or play catch, this will help them to develop coordination.
• Encourage their imagination with role play, using tea sets or doctor's kits. Try not to direct, just follow their lead. They'll let you know what to do.

Two year olds

Often known as the terrible twos, this year can be tricky for some two year olds as they make the transition from baby to 'real' person. They are talking more and can run and jump, but not quite as well as they would like.

• Get the glue sticks, glitter, old cartons, egg cups and colouring pens out, anything that will entice their imagination. Encourage them by saying 'what can you make out of this box?' then leave them to it.
• Make play dates. At this age kids become more sociable and playing with other children their age helps them to learn basic life skills such as sharing, waiting their turn and how to express themselves.
• Play musical statues. Play music and stop it intermittently so that they have to 'freeze'. This is a good way of teaching kids impulse control.

Three year olds

Three year olds are starting to really get it. They have boundless energy and the world has taken on a new and magical aura as their imaginations go into overdrive. Simple objects become fascinating, magical and mysterious, and playtime gets more fun.

• Set up scavenger hunts in the garden. Arm your child with a magnifying glass so they can inspect all the creepy crawlies or child-sized butterfly net.
• Encourage their developing caring nature by giving them a watering can to take care of plants. Grow easy, quick response plants like watercress or put an avocado stone in water to watch it sprout.
• Enhance fine motor skills by encouraging your three year old to do up their own buttons, zips and clasps, using toys specifically designed to develop these skills.

Four year olds

By this age your child is becoming pretty impressed with their own abilities as a human being. They want to be the best at everything and are ready for more interesting and challenging play time/

• Be specific about praise. Just saying 'good job' will not be as motivating as saying 'what a great picture you drew, I particularly like the trees!' This more specific reward will boost their confidence far more.
• When shopping, play games to reduce boredom such as 'find it first'. Tell them what item you are looking for and challenge them to find it before you do.
• Get them to start exercising, join them up to a junior athletics club, gym lessons or dancing. Plus, keep them (and yourself) active by opting for the steps over the lift, and walking to the shops instead of taking the car.

Remember, play is fun for both kids and parents. The more you get into it, the more you will enjoy it.

Useful resource:

The Secret of Play by Ann Pleshette Murphy. Available from Dorling Kindersley priced £12.99