The world often feels very serious for grown-ups, and it's easy to get sucked into the endless to-do list of deadlines, bills, and planning. Sometimes, a request from a young person to “play with me,” can feel like just another chore. However, play is so worth making time for. It helps kids work through conflict, solve problems, and feel close to us.
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, say 'yes!' to a bit more play with your child!
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. –Fred Rogers
You’ve likely heard about the virtues of play before. But do you know why it is so vital? Play can be a direct route to connection with your child. It increases good feeling and cooperation, and has the power to circumvent many issues that could otherwise derail your days.
Researchers report that play is universal for humans and occurs all over the world and throughout different cultures. It has also been observed in almost all other species of mammals and even in some birds and reptiles. In addition to increasing connection between you and your child, some of the other documented benefits of play include:
Improves cognitive function. Lots of types of play also require thinking, even if you don’t realize it. Most imaginative play is elaborate storytelling which involves creativity and organizing in one’s mind a beginning, middle, and end. Card games and board games entail planning, strategy, math, and logic.
Helps grow strong muscles/bodies. Active play, such as running, tumbling, wrestling, jumping rope, and kicking or throwing a ball around, is good for your child’s physical health. If you can get outside for it, you get the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine.
Enhances social and emotional skills. Emotional regulation, sharing/turn-taking, patience, and cooperation are skills built right into all kinds of play. Schoolyard games like Mother May I?, Capture the Flag, and Red Light, Green Light are great examples. Both cooperative games and competitive board games offer chances to improve impulse control and frustration tolerance.
Reduces stress and tensions. Play signals the brain that there is no crisis, stimulating a sense of well-being and safety, and helping us relax. Play can also be an outlet for worries and anxiety. Try playing with dolls, stuffies, and/or action figures to act out a current struggle or concern. Children may experiment with new behaviors in a playful setting and your playful response, with appropriate limits, can help teach them your expectations and avoid power struggles. Play can also help children learn the importance of resolving conflicts and advocating for themselves.
Improves communication skills. In order to play together, young people must communicate. Play is an opportunity to practice communication and even increase vocabulary. Play also involves a ton of non-verbal communication (eye contact, facial expression, body language), giving practice with these skills.
Making time for play, and dusting off your own play skills, is one of the best things you can do in parenting. In addition to promoting your child's development, it will also improve your connection with them while setting a warm and cooperative tone in your home.
