Play is an engaging activity for recreation as opposed to a practical purpose. Playing plays a crucial role in developing our minds and physical well-being. This activity is most especially necessary for the development of a child. Here are seven benefits of playing for your child’s development:
The Benefits of Playing for Your Child’s Development
1. Development of problem-solving skills
Playing plays a vital role in the mental growth of children. Research suggests that the play rate in child correlate with the development of their brains, specifically the cerebellum, an area that handles motor skills. This study highlights that play is mandatory in shaping a mature mind that can optimize muscle control.
2. Enhance social skills
A game that includes imagination and dramatics, such as role-play, can improve positive social skills. These types of games provide children to:
- Familiarising how to cooperate with other kids, make decisions, negotiate opinions and ideas,
- Boost self-esteem and confidence by achieving success and overcoming challenges
- To learn how to control repulsive behavior
- To learn how to reduce stress in problematic situations
- To develop fairness and empathy so they can play with other children
- To build friendships and positive bonds with others
3. Physical development
Active physical activity in play using muscles supports a child’s physical growth. Associating fun and play with exercise can lead to becoming a life habit. Play with physical activity also helps:
- Improve muscle strength
- Boost better metabolism
- Avoid diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol
- Improve lung and heart functions
In a 2018 study of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 25% of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 to 17 were either overweight or obese. This study indicates that additional playtime must be a top intervention in the strategy to combat overweight and obesity in children.
Playing outdoors is a prime example of enjoyable physical activity. Playing outside strengthens a child’s immunity and strengthens the bones. Physical activities such as playing tag, swimming in playsets, and some tug of war are classics that will surely be fun for your child.
4. Emotional development
Picture a scenario where a child is trying to build a tower with blocks. All of a sudden, another child accidentally knocks the tower down. What must a guardian do? Call on the instructor. Barge in between children or perhaps let the children learn to handle it between themselves?
Scenarios such as this most likely occur in play situations and are significant in making the child learn how to express their concerns adequately. Less verbal children can express themselves in play. Emotional development during a game shall help the child place themselves in social situations and future relationships.
In line with emotional development, play will help children boost healthy self-esteem. Playing helps develop empathy and a better understanding of others. As they play with other children, the child learns resilience and grit that he or they may need to face future problems upon growing up.
5. Enrich language skills
There are also risks associated with failing to learn how to communicate in a child. A study on language shows that delayed development is associated with:
- Shyness
- Anxiety
- Difficulties at school
- Behavioral problems
Make playtime a priority and observe how your child relates to others. If your child is not able to attain typical development, seek a pediatrician for professional help.
Playtime involves numerous interactions using verbal and nonverbal language. Enhancement of language skills is a vital part of your child’s development. It establishes the child’s ability to express themselves, communicate, and understand emotions.
Without language skills in learning, the child cannot deliver to understand further or make sense of a specific subject.
6. Stimulation of creativity and imagination
Creativity is commonly known as an exceptional talent only found in a few “gifted” individuals, like painters or inventors. However, it is also true that humans are capable of being creative, and play is one of the methods that can stimulate one’s creativity.
Play exercises multiple facets of the human body that boosts development and cognitive learning in a child. Playing is an activity that helps the child learn about the world. Through play, the child learns about concepts, ideas, and spatial relationships.
Some figures, toys, or even some dirt can let a child play with their imagination. In this method, they develop ways to navigate through their surroundings and harness insightful thinking, which is essential to creativity.
Through play, children make up worlds and stories using their imagination. Roleplay games such as Playhouse or play cooking kitchen are good examples of original games. The chance to play gives children an outlet to express themselves creatively and contemplate experiences.
Imaginative play fosters a child’s capacity to “think outside the box.”As the famous line of Einstein says, “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.”
7. Builds up a holistic parent-child relationship
When a child plays with their parents, it sends the child a message that they are essential to their mother and father. The attention that the parents provide to their children tells the child that they are valued. Playtime is also beneficial for parents because it teaches them how to communicate with their children.
Children that enjoy a nurturing bond with their parents tend to have healthy self-esteem and confidence, are more empathetic, and have better academic performances.
A considerable portion of a nurturing relationship with your child begins at the activity they tend to do in their early life, which is at play. You can enhance playtime with your child with a well-made game set to ensure a joyful and safe holiday.
Play between the parent and child, when executed without intrusions, allows the development of a trusting bond. This bond opens doors for honest communication and a healthy relationship between parent and child.
Playtime endows the parents with the opportunity to nurture and guide their children. Play can help build the foundation of a thriving and healthy parent-child relationship.
The Takeaway
Given the numerous benefits of play, make playtime a priority in your child’s life. Schedule a time and make it a habit. It will not only help your child as they mature, but it will also help you forge a genuine and loving bond with them. After all, they will only be children once.
