The importance of play in children’s development

Play for children has been there since time immemorial. The tradition has been passed from one generation to the other. Children’s plays are not usually structured or regulated.

The kids are left to make the rules and decide how the games will be conducted. Interestingly, even during difficult times, kids will find ways to be playful.

As a parent or a guardian, did you know that your child’s play is crucial for their development? Well, when you allow your child to play with other kids in the neighborhood, you are not wasting their time.

Instead, you are promoting their social, physical and emotional well-being right from their childhood to their adulthood.

Unfortunately, time for some kids to play has been reduced significantly for various reasons such as changes in family structure, loss of outdoor play areas, harried lifestyles and increased attention on academic performance.

All these activities are given priority at the expense of the child’s playtime. This article is meant to help parents, guardians and teachers see the importance of play to childhood development and how they can help the children get the best out of their fun games.

Why you should allow your child to play with other kids

Play contributes a lot to a child’s development. No wonder the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights recognizes play as a right to every child.

If you haven’t given much thought on the benefits your child stands to gain when he/she plays with other kids, the benefits below will surprise you.

Advances physical development

If you want your child to develop different skills in life, allow them to play outside with other kids. For instance, rope skipping improves balance, sporting activities such as football or swimming improve coordination.

Furthermore, play helps your child maintain a healthy weight and avoid any chances of becoming obese. So, don’t let your child watch TV all day and lose such a beautiful benefit.

Stimulates creative thinking

One of the best-known benefits of play is its ability to spark creative thinking to the children. Creative thinking and divergent thinking are intertwined.

Therefore, when children participate in free play especially the pretend-play, their divergent thinking is significantly improved.

Unstructured plays allow kids to design their games and as a result, become more creative. So, if you admire that little girl who does impressive things, your child could also do the same or even more if you give them a chance.

Encourage your children to use their imagination, it will help them even in their adult life…
 
Continue reading the article and learn more about play on Monica Pierce’s blog.