Most people don’t realize the importance of play in the early stages of human life. As a matter of fact, playing is the key to learning how to interact. Baby lions develop their skills by playing with their mothers, and the same can be said of our babies!
Playing is a teaching tool, and we have to take advantage of it so our kids grow to be smart and active for the rest of their lives.
According to Anita Henderson, Associate Medical Director for the Department of Pediatrics at SouthWestern Medicals, “Play for children is very essential, because it contributes to optimal child development. And when we’re talking about child development, we’re talking about all aspects of development—physical development, social development, emotional well-being, as well as cognitive intellectual skills.”
Here you’ll learn the top 6 benefits of playtime for child development!
COMMUNICATION
Kids exchange their thoughts when playing. If they share the same thoughts and opinions with someone, they will enjoy their playtime. If they disagree with their playmate, it will improve their ability to debate, cooperate, and determine what is right or wrong. They will learn to share information through speech, signals, actions, and writing.
COGNITIVE
Your child will learn to problem solve and find solutions during playtime. With all their attention focused on the activity at hand, they’ll learn how to reason with other kids and find solutions.
EMOTIONAL
During playtime, your children interact with other kids and develop emotions such as happiness, excitement, fear, or even frustration! With these new emotions, they will learn how to empathize with other kids and share while they play.
CREATIVE
Imagination flies when kids are playing. When they interact through role play, they can be whoever they want and do the impossible! Kids create a whole new world when they are playing by just using their imagination. When kids use their imagination, they are developing a sense of ambition and possibility for the future.
PHYSICAL
Playing keeps your kid active. They develop skills such as coordination, balance, and motor skills. Also, playing releases energy, helping your child to have better sleeping and eating habits.
SOCIAL
Group dynamics help your kid to share and collaborate with other children. These lessons in interaction will help them to understand the roles and rules of the society they are currently living in.