It is a sad fact that, although research has shown that children have so much to learn through play, nowadays many children are given less opportunity to play than ever before. This could be attributed to several factors: the growth of more sedentary entertainment pursuits like television and DVDs, the understandable worries that parents have of letting their child play outside unsupervised, an educational focus on teaching curriculum subjects rather than child-centred learning.

It's not difficult to find new things to try and do when you know where to look. There are plenty of fun websites with ideas available online. By getting creative parents can make every day activities seem fun and exciting - finding special ways to make decorations, trying out different recipes, creating crafts and inventing new games.

If you want to make your childrens activity stimulating and build their confidence:

- Give lots of praise when your child plays well.

- Ensure that your children's toys are suitable for their age, but at the same time challenge them.

- Encourage your child to play with puzzle toys.

- Your goal should be to increase learning in small steps.

- Let your child choose what to play with most of the time.

- Show that you are interested in your child's activity.

- Be sympathetic when your child becomes frustrated.

- Avoid comparing the way your child plays with the way another child plays.

- Brag to your friends and relatives about your child's play achievements in front of them.

- Give your child a hug sometimes during play.

Consider these rules of child's play before you dive into some of these ideas. These are slightly tongue-in-cheek, but you may find them useful...

1. The name of the activity can make a lot of difference!

Consider the scene: "Moooooom... I'm bored! What can I do with my teddies?" "Why don't you play tea-parties?"

Or its alternative: "Moooooom... I'm bored! What can I do with my teddies?" "Have you ever heard of 'Stunt Ted'?"

It should be clear which one will stimulate curiosity immediately. Before you know it, your child will be testing whether their soft toys roll well down the stairs, fit through the letterbox, or possibly even swim! (don't blame the author!)

2. Be a spin-doctor

Practically anything can be made into a fun childrens activity as long as you take on the role of the political spin-doctor, putting a positive (and unique) spin on it. Clearing up the kitchen table? Make it into a challenge (how many crumbs can you scoop up in 15 seconds?). Going on a long car journey? While away the time by playing the Animal Game (Your children pick people that you know and assign them an animal according to their characteristics - tremendous fun to listen to!) Tired of the complaining while out and about? Award a prize for the person who can find the most interesting sight.

3. Customise

There is no benefit in encouraging your child to play 'Build A Robot' if their particular interest is horses. This is your role in the process...

Remember, parenting should be fun ... so go ahead and enjoy playing with your children, be silly, be creative and don't worry about what anyone else thinks!