A nursery school is giving parents lessons in how to play.
The Busy Bees daycare group is offering to coach mums and dads in playtime skills after research revealed one in 10 parents only 'occasionally' play with their kids, and one in six fathers do not know how to play at all.
The group - which run playgroups across the UK - claims their sessions will help boost parents fun skills and enable them to be more involved in their child's play at home.
A Busy Bees spokesperson said that some new parents find playtime easier than others, and that when children come to the nursery, staff encourage their mums and dads to stay and play with them.
"Some need ideas of games and activities and others like to find out more about how to interact best with their child," a spokesperson said. "Parents are always beating themselves up about being a good cook for their children, and worrying whether their child is developing properly, but playtime is a time for both parents and children to enjoy."
Margaret Randles, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Busy Bees, said she felt the organisation had an 'obligation' to provide a 'range' of support and advice to mums and dads.
"As a parent myself I know every day brings a different challenge, and sometimes you often feel that you are making it up as you go along," she said. "I have always found that having someone to confide in or just to provide reassurance on any issues is helpful."