PAEDIATRICS SECTION R

ecently on Instagram, we posted a quote from the legendary Fred Rogers: “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.”

We think Mr Rogers might have been on to something: play is hard work for children, and it reaps many results that most wouldn’t even think about. Improving cognition, creativity, dexterity, emotional developmentthe list goes on and on. But some children find barriers that make engaging in play difficult, and that’s where companies like Gympanzees come in. You can learn about this Bristol-based charity on page 50.

Keeping children safe while they play is also vital, and we’ve got a guide for keeping younger people safe as they explore the internet on page 52, and have a host of brilliant products that may be helpful for young clients on page 55.

Photo: Emily Negus