Minds Full

THREE SURPRISING BENEFITS OF IMAGINATIVE PLAY

STYLING MADELINE MCFARLANE PHOTOGRAPHY FRANÇOISE BAUDET WORDS NICOLE RAY

Most of us are aware that imaginative play fosters creativity, improves problem solving and promotes both fine and gross motor physical development. It’s been well documented, and we may have experienced these benefits first hand with our own children, or children in our care.

But there are other benefits to imaginative play that aren’t as commonly discussed. Here are three lesser-known reasons why imaginative play is so important for the development of our children.

Imaginative play exercises the muscles of emotional intelligence

According to Neuroscientist, Dr Stephen Porges, play is a neural exercise that helps children work through their fears, whether they be conscious or unconscious. Dr Porges refers to the neuroception of safety as an indicator of how well we develop in an unknown and often frightening world.

Paediatric Psychologist, Dr Mona Delahooke further explains that when children feel safe in body and mind they can undertake essential requirements for healthy development – to play, grow and restore. When they don’t feel safe, they move into fight or flight, a state in which spontaneous play shuts down. Dr Delahooke concludes “Play is exercise for the child’s brain and body (they are connected) that enhances the development of emotional health. Play is fun, but it also allows children to explore uncertainty and fears under conditions of safety, gaining mastery over fears and across emotional states.”

https://monadelahooke.com/cantlet-play-disappear-childrens-lives/

Imaginative play helps with smoother school transitions

A 2020 study on the Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students, found that incorporating opportunities for unstructured play in conjunction with mindfulness practice could facilitate a smoother transition process in kindergarten children.

The study found “through play and self-reflection, children strategize about change and transition which characterize early childhood.” In examining physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, increased physical activity (contributing to physical wellbeing), happiness (contributing to emotional wellbeing), and playfulness (contributing to social wellbeing) were identified following this combined intervention.

Imaginative play isn’t just for kids

Dr Stuart Brown ascertains that we all, children and adults, have untapped play resources that we can draw on in difficult circumstances. Our ‘play reservoirs’ have been provided to us by nature, and have seen the human race through varied historic situations. When we tap into them, we remain positive, upbeat and resilient.

Dr Brown explains “When examining the lives of non-players, comparing them to play-fulfilled individuals, research has been able to show how play itself contributes to getting along better with ourselves, (play as a good anti-depressant) and certainly provides the tools to better get along non-violently, cooperatively and innovatively with each other.”

https://www.playcore.com/news/ play-is-a-universal-gift-of-naturein-times-of-challenge-and-stress

MINTY PICKS FOR CREATIVE PLAY

"Play is the royal road to childhood happiness and adult brilliance."

– Joseph Chilton Pearce

– Little Big Learning –

The Pikler Triangle by Little Big Learning

Little Big Learning is an Australian women-led company on a mission to create beautifully designed, purposeful, and ethically made products.

Inspired by Dr Emmi Pikler, Little Big have created a range of Pikler Triangles and accessories to provide children the opportunity for safe and self-paced exploration of body and mind. A Pikler Triangle is suitable from 6 months to 6 years of age and offers endless opportunities to develop gross motor skills, and nurture creative play as it transforms from climbing frame to car track, and cubby house to the winner’s podium. Add on the Little Pikler Arch & Rocker and watch in awe as babies climb before they walk, toy’s hit the high seas and dolls are rocked to sleep. The only limits are your child’s imagination.

Made from sustainably sourced FSC Certified European birchwood ply and hardwood dowel, Little Big products are designed to last, to be handed down through the generations and to tread lightly on our environment.

The Tecla Table by Little Big Learning

Perfect as a first weaning table for the youngest of babes, The Tecla Table is a contemporary kids’ table take on an old favourite – the simple school room desk. Its compact size will fit into the smallest of spaces and can be mixed and matched with the Little Big Mylk Stools or Cube Chairs to make the perfect configuration for your home. Handy features such as the shelf with its lift up lid and the 'ink pot' holder make this desk the perfect place for creative minds to flourish.

www.littlebiglearning.com.au

"Play energises us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us to new possibilities."

– Dr Stuart Brown

– jnr.play –

Stunning soft play by jnr.life

jnr.play is a collection of oversized soft-décor ‘play shapes’, handmade in Melbourne by the jnr.life team. With a passion for sophisticated and considered design, Jnr.Life are dedicated to producing high quality, family friendly products that complement grown-up interiors.

Created to push the bounds of play, these oversized and lightly padded shapes give children an open-ended invitation to create, build and explore. Soft play has long been recognised as a building block of emotional and physical development as children engage, take risks and work through creative play scenarios.

Jnr.play is available in four shapes in a beautiful tonal rainbow that complement each other as you build your collection.

www.jnrlife.com

"Let the children play! And if you have a few minutes, play with them. It's that easy, just follow their lead and they will work out their concerns and fears. It's the most therapeutic and growth promoting activity for kids."

– Mona Delahooke, Ph.D.

Cattywampus play tents encourage imaginative play

– Cattywampus –

Born from a nostalgic appreciation of the simplicity enjoyed as children, Cattywampus set out on a mission to bring back the beauty of imagination by generating magical spaces that cultivate creative play. They created a range of play tents that are contemporary in design and made of 100% pure cotton canvas, offering a soft, yet durable haven for children’s imaginations to take flight.

Providing children with a space of their own for play fosters independence, allows for privacy and provides a familiar sanctuary for endless adventures with their toys and friends. A cosy nook for cuddles and stories, or a well-needed shelter from siblings, you can be sure it is a place where many memories will be made.

www.cattywampus.com.au

The Story Teller by Moov Baby

– Moov Baby –

Have you ever met a Storyteller? One that weaves the most magnificent tales and makes you feel like you are right there in the story? Under the timber arches of the Moov Baby Storyteller every child is at the centre of their own story, transported to a world of creative play.

This Waldorf inspired play stand with its child-centred design creates a space for quiet play or a retreat from the world. It is Australian made using 100% Australian grown timber and comes uncoated to bring the beauty of nature right into your home.

Children may be transported into a magical forest, a sweet shop, cave, outer space, or under the sea! The Storyteller brings the beauty of wooden play equipment and imagination together, perfectly at home in any space.

www.moovbaby.com.au