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Play is critical to all domains of brain development in early childhood and is necessary for healthy development.
Did you know that play is beneficial for both children and parents? Play is vital in healthy development for your child's brain in all domains of brain development: cognitive, physical, social and emotional, and communication and language. In today's world children are getting less time for play, but it is important to ensure your child has time for play for optimal development.
Personally, I knew play is important, but I didn't realize how many benefits can be contributed to children playing. Since learning more, I am making an effort to give my little one more free play time. It is so fun (and interesting) to let my child decide what and how he plays.
Recently, he likes to play nap. So he will say, "nap, mama" and wants me to cover him with a blanket then lay on the floor next to him. The nap lasts about 20 seconds before he wants to get up and move and then will tell me to nap again in a minute or so. It is hilarious and I look forward to continue watching him to play and to see how his play changes as he gets older.
Play's role in Child Development
Play is essential for healthy brain development. Children should be given an opportunity to play from a very early age. There are numerous benefits of play, play gives children the opportunity to:
use and develop creativity.
develop their imagination.
develop dexterity.
increase physical, cognitive, and emotion strength.
overcome fears.
increase confidence and resiliency.
develop skills to work in groups, share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts.
learn self-advocacy skills
practice decision making skills.
discover their interests.
engage in their passions.
build active, healthy bodies.
be joyful.
reduce stress.
build enduring relationships with parent(s) or caregiver(s)
Play is so important to childhood development, that it has been deemed a right of childhood. And yet, studies show that children are getting less and less play in modern society.
The numerous benefits of play and the level to which it helps children develop and learn makes play vital, and so it is critical for parents to make time for unstructured play.
What is play?
We know play is super important, but what is meant by play? Some could consider sports play, but organized activities are not what the experts are referring to when discussing play in this sense (not to say that there are not many benefits to organized sports and activities as well).
The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development defines play as "spontaneous, voluntary, pleasurable, and flexible activity involving a combination of body, object, symbol use, and relationships."
Play Scotland provides additional guidance on play. Play is:
Fun
Uncertain
challenging
Flexible
Non-productive
Freely chosen
Personally directed
Intrinsically motivated
What children choose to do when adults are not directing them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages two types of play. Free play where parents sit back and let their child play with little involvement from parents. Parents may be an observer or (if safe) leave their child(ren) alone for free play. At other times, parents should be fully engaged in play with their children, giving their children and the playtime their full attention. Let you child still direct the play, but you engage in the play as they choose.
Why is this important?
It is important because as parents we need to be intentional in making time for child-directed play. Since we know there are so many benefits to our children getting this time, we can ensure our children get this time for play whenever possible. (Note: Many parents use organized activities as a safe and beneficial child care option while they are working, I am encouraging child-directed play when possible and this will look different for each unique family.) If you are looking for child care, consider looking for a provider that encourages and gives time for play.
Recently there have been studies that children are not getting adequate play time. Many children (particularly American children) are over scheduled as their parents do their best to prepare them for college and academic success. While many children who are extremely involved in organized activities are thriving, many children are feeling increased stressed and anxiety.
By making time for play and engaging with children in play, parents can set their children up for success for the future. Play can have the power to set children up for success in a variety of areas (not just academically, but including academically). It can also be a powerful tool for parents to bond with their children and see the world from their child's point of view. If your child is working through stress or difficulties, this may come out in their play as they work through processing their lives and environment.
Cognitive Development Through Play
Cognitive development is you child's ability to:
think
understand
communicate
remember
imagine
predict what might happen next
Young children learn best through play and when they have the opportunity to direct play, they are learning, solving problems, creating, experimenting, and thinking in a way that is relevant to them. It is great to engage in the play your child chooses, but try to let them solve problems they encounter. They will generally let you know if they need help.
What kind of play promotes cognitive development?
All types of play can help develop cognitive skills, but some specific ideas include:
singing
playing musical instruments
child-directed art activities
collage
paint
drawing/coloring
dramatic play
block play
puzzles
reading
playing board/card games
sensory play - playing with sand, water, etc.
cooking
outdoor play
Social and Emotional Development Through Play
Social and emotional development is your child's ability to:
have positive relationships with other children and adults
ability to recognize non-verbal cues
ability to maintain eye contact
have confidence
respecting others
listening to other
use self-control and patience
recognizing their own emotions
recognizing others emotions
displaying empathy
sharing
working as a team
Through play, children naturally learn may social and emotional concepts and skills. There is no better way than to learn social and emotional skills than through practicing them in our children's natural state of learning and being, as they are playing.
What kind of play promotes social and emotional development?
Your children will learn social and emotional skills through a variety of play. Some more specific ideas include:
play peekaboo
reading
storytelling
art
pretend play
dramatic play
social play (playing with other kids and adults)
Play games
Physical Development Through Play
Physical development is your child's ability to:
use gross motor skills, examples include:
rolling over
sitting up
crawling
standing
walking
running
jumping
use fine motor skills, examples include:
picking up and grasping small objects
holding crayons
using buttons
writing
Your child will naturally develop physical skills as they play. Encouraging active play helps your child build a healthy and strong body. Physically activity can start from a very young age, but should be through fun and play. Active play should be encouraged both inside and outside (if possible and safe).
What kind of play promotes physical development:
All types of play promotes physical development, but some specific ideas include:
Free play both inside and outside
Tummy time
Bike rides
Family Walks
Visiting playgrounds
Active games (example: red light/green light)
Playing with balls
Dance party
Musical chairs
Playing with instruments
Playing with toys
The key is to just let your little ones have fun!
Communication and Language Development Through Play
Communication and language development is your child's ability to:
Understand language and communication
Express language and communication
Play gives your child to practice speech and communication and their ability to listen and focus (which is needed to communicate back and forth). It is a great opportunity or the to build on their vocabulary and refine their speech sounds. Play (both inside and outside) is the best learning environment for children, and gives them a space to experiment and explore safely.
What kind of play promotes communication and language development?
There are many different types of play that promotes language and communication development. Some specific ideas include:
Talking through play (even if your child is too young to respond)
Singing and dancing
Pretend Play
Block Play
Storytelling
Reading
Sensory play
Matching/sorting games
Encouraging Play
The simplest answer to how to encourage play is to give children time, space, and freedom to play. My husband and I have often joked that our son will find a way to play wherever we are, even if there are no toys. So provide a safe environment, give them time (at least 30 minutes) and then let them play however feels best for them. Let them direct the play when possible.
Tips for promoting play in your house:
Give your child time for free play everyday
Let your child direct the play as much as possible
Reduce screen time
Let your child play independently sometimes and other times engage with them
Give your child opportunities for active play both inside and outside to promote healthy bodies
Provide mostly "true toys" or simple toys that require your child to use their imagination and make them work rather than a toy that required limited imagination or activity
Have unstructured spontaneous time with your children - remember you are being productive when you do this as it is so important for child development!
Provide opportunities for the family to spend time together, to listen to one another, to talk to one another
Have fun with your child
Read with your child from birth
Provide opportunities for children to play with others, especially starting around the age of 2.5/3
Remember to provide a balanced schedule for your child
Look for childcare that provides opportunities for play and development in all domains of brain development and is not just academically focused
Summary
Play is vital to healthy development in children. Children should be given plenty of opportunities for play from birth through adolescence. Child-directed play in particular has many benefits including promoting development in all brain development domains: cognitive, physical, speech and communication, and social and emotional.
When possible, it is important to let your child direct the play. You can then choose your level of engagement as they play. Through play, you will develop a lifelong bond with your child and learn a great deal about them including their interests, passions, and stressors.
In today's busy world, children are often constantly busy and engaged in structured activities. While this has it's benefits, it is also important to leave time for free play. Enjoy the time with your children!
Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!
Resources for More Information/ Sources:
The American Academy of Pediatrics - Importance of Play
NAEYC - 10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play
Play Scotland - What is Play?
Raising Children - Play & Cognitive Development
Center for Inclusive Child Care - Play Promotes Cognitive Development
Trying Together - Social-Emotional Development Through Play
NAEYC - Social and Emotional Skills at Home
Raising Children - Physical Activity for Young Children
Early Years Careers - Speech Development Through Play
UNICEF - Speech and Language Development