20 Bondi EASTERN SUBURBS
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Ed 60, Dec, 2023
UNLOCKING SUMMER'S POTENTIAL: THE POWER OF PLAY As the summer holidays approach, parents often find themselves contemplating how to make the most of these precious weeks. The summer holidays offer a much needed break from routine and academic pressures.
While vacations and day trips are enjoyable, it's essential to recognize the value that unstructured time to play brings to children, enhancing and supporting their development. Play is a child's natural way of exploring the world and making sense of their experiences. As children engage in unstructured play, they experience the freedom to be themselves, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-esteem. During the summer holidays, children have opportunities to engage in a myriad of activities that stimulate cognitive development. From imaginative play in the backyard to constructing sandcastles on the beach, these activities encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether it's navigating through a make-believe world or strategizing the best way to build a tower or a cubby, during play, the brain is constantly at work, developing and refining cognitive skills. The summer holidays provide the perfect opportunity for children to break free from the constraints of indoor spaces and explore
the great outdoors. The diverse terrain of outdoor environments challenges children's bodies in ways that structured indoor activities often cannot, fostering a more robust physical development.
Riding bikes, playing tag, or climbing trees not only contribute to physical fitness but also enhance gross motor skills. These activities promote coordination, balance, and strength, laying the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. Many play activities are directly linked to a child’s performance in the classroom, such as the ability to build upper body strength through climbing is critical for a child’s ability to sit at a desk for an extended period. Summer play is not just about physical and cognitive development; it's a social affair that helps children build essential interpersonal skills. Whether it's organizing a game of soccer with friends or collaborating on a sandcastle masterpiece with siblings, play encourages teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication. These social interactions are invaluable for developing emotional intelligence and establishing the foundation for successful relationships in the future.
This summer, let play take centre stage in your child's holiday agenda. Consider the playgrounds, parks, and open spaces as more than just backdrops for fun – but dynamic arenas for fostering crucial skills that will benefit your child for a lifetime.
Play is also a natural stress reliever. The joy and curiosity sparked by play releases neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine
Embrace the unstructured, spontaneous moments that unfold in parks, beaches, and your backyard. Recognize that each
and serotonin, all offering the feel good factor for every child. Outdoor play also exposes children to sunlight, promoting the production of vitamin D and positively influencing mood and overall well-being.
splash in the pool, climb up a tree, or game of hide-and-seek contributes significantly to your child's cognitive, physical, and social development. As parents, let's celebrate the power of play in shaping well-rounded, resilient individuals who approach life with curiosity, creativity, and a zest for exploration. Summer is not just a break from school; it's a season of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities through the magic of play. Have a great summer! Robyn Monro Miller AM
Robyn Monro Miller is CEO of Play Australia and President of the International Play Association
