Just Playing: The Importance of Play

As a child, I remember playing for hours. I enjoyed riding my bike around the neighborhood, playing at the park, playing tag, hopscotch, jump roping, dress-up, etc. The list is endless. I enjoyed playing dolls and Barbie’s, while my brothers enjoyed playing Legos and building blocks. Play is a child’s work. It is their job. It is their way to express themselves. Play is important in overall childhood development. Play stimulates the body and the brain. It fosters cognitive, fine and gross motor, communication, social-emotional and self-help skills. Play is so important to optimal child development, that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a RIGHT OF EVERY CHILD.

Spending time playing is establishing and building your child’s self-esteem. Play between children and their parents, creates a bond and let’s your child know they are important. It allows the parent to role-play real life situations and teaches the child how to problem-solve certain social situations. For example, play during recess creates endless social and communication opportunities. Since there have been nation-wide budget cuts; children around the country no longer have recess and/or fewer physical education days. This means, children are playing less at school. Additionally, in today’s age of technology, children are less likely to play, are less likely to go outside and explore and have a decreased imagination. It is important to limit the time your child spends in front of the television.

There are many types and stages of play, and as your child grows, their play evolves. Play begins in infancy. For example, when your child begins playing with a rattle and begins looking around. Simple give-and-take games, such as peek-a-boo and smiling back and forth is encouraging interaction-attachment. Play progresses, where a child takes on different roles, common goals, plays with one to two leaders. It becomes relatively long and complex.

Play parallels language, meaning if your child is playing with one object they should be saying one word. If your child is combining objects into play, he/she should be combing words. Therefore, as your child’s play becomes more sophisticated, his/her language will follow. Play is fun and can be free. It is important to avoid telling your child what to do and try avoiding asking too many questions. Follow your child’s lead by commenting on what he/she is doing. Research has concluded, families who play together have better communication and are more supportive. Play is important in promoting a healthy development and creating child-parent bonds. In our busy worlds it is important to make time to play!

As a parent, ask yourself these questions:

1. When was the last time you played with your child?

2. What games and toy preferences does your child have?

3. How long does your child play for on a daily or weekly basis?

 “When you asked me what I did in school today and I say, 'I just played.' Please don’t misunderstand me. For you see, I am learning as I play. I am learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. Today I am a child and my work is play.”

Anita Wadley, 1974

~Written by Angie