Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn – Fred Donaldson
Why is Play very important, especially during this festive period?
Play is crucial for your children, this is the only way they get to express themelves and be happy. According to Freud children express their thoughts and feelings through play. Play is like therapy. If you didn’t know this- chew on this information.
For instance, if a child struggles with bullying or any other form of emotional trauma, one of the ways that child can bounce back from such pain is by playing. Playing takes the child’s mind off what hurts them.
Christmas is just around the corner, and we know the significant role it plays in the lives of children. From the Christmas tree, to the glittering lights and gifts all brings about a sense of togetherness and happiness. Christmas isn’t a season, but it’s a feeling. Buying gifts for your children that will be useful will go a long way. The fantastic thing about children is that their bodies and their brain respond to the experiences that they have; and Christmas is all about the experience
Here are 10 things Parents should know about Play this season:
1. Play helps Children learn – play when included in the learning process can help the child develop the following skills; cognitive skill like math and problem solving and physical abilities i.e. activities like balancing blocks, running on the playground and new vocabulary.
2. Play improves child- parent relationship – communication between parents and their children can be greatly improved through play. When parents engage in activities that excite their children, it goes a long way to improve communication, trust and strengthen the relationships that they already have.
3. Play leads to children expressing themselves- less verbal children often recoil into a world of their own. Play time offers a time of relaxation and sometimes provides a means through which they express themselves to the adults around them.
4. Study of immediate environment - play allows children to learn about their immediate environment. From nursery rhymes, dance moves and even drama roles; children and teenagers get to practice the things they have learnt during playtime
5. Play provides room for early detection of talents in children- Engaging in their favorite sport, games and other activities often sparks interest in some children. Talents they did not notice come to the limelight during playtime.
6. Play reduces stress – play as an activity reduces stress and creates an avenue for children to relax. After a stressful day, considerable amount of time spent engaging in any activity that excites them will go a long way to reduce stress.
7. Play promotes creativity: Play can help grow children’s creative abilities. Role playing in groups can also foster and build relationships among kids.
8. Play is healthy – play helps children grow strong and healthy. It also counteracts obesity issues facing children today
9. Play outside is the most beneficial to your child: When children have more room to play, they are more active. This builds them physically and helps them maintain healthy fitness levels as required at their different developmental stages. Science has also revealed that children who play outside have higher levels of vitamin D and this strengthens their immune systems.
Play is a cherished part of childhood. Long lasting memories, lifelong friendships and partnerships have been formed by people who spent most of their time together engaging in activities they loved to do. The balance that play brings to the learning process cannot also be overlooked. It is imperative for parents to allow their children engage in activities that bring them joy and satisfaction and also find a way to be a part of it.