Not an Extra Play helps children grow into strong, healthy, and independent individuals. It also helps them develop emotionally and reduces stress. However, a lack of play can have negative and long-lasting effects. Studies show that when kids don’t have the opportunity to play outside in nature, they are at higher risk for attention problems and behavior problems. Without proper play, kids do not have the chance to stretch their imagination and build the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in their life. A lack of play can also stunt an individual’s social and emotional development. A 2018 study by the AAP also found that the absence of play can increase stress. Play is not frivolous. It is brain building. When play as well as safe, stable, nurturing relationships are missing from a child’s life, toxic stress can disrupt their development. (Healthline.com)
The Benefits of Play While the benefits of play are innumerable and help children to develop cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally, there is more to play than fun and games.
Cognitive: Play promotes healthy development and critical thinking skills. It reinforces memory, helps children understand cause and effect, and helps children explore the world— and their role in it. Young children learn how things fit together through play. It allows them to use their senses and encourages exploration and curiosity—skills that are the foundation of intellectual development and cognitive processing. Play also inspires children to pretend, create, and imagine. Creative, open-ended play helps children conceptualize, brainstorm, and exercise critical thinking skills.
Physical: Physically, play benefits children in a few ways, namely in the development of their fine and gross motor skills. Play benefits motor development by encouraging movement and the understanding of spatial relations, promoting motor planning skills, and supporting balance and dexterity. It also supports gross motor skills, such as energy, stamina, flexibility, and body awareness. Examples of physical play include running, jumping, swimming, block building, dancing, riding bikes, and climbing trees.
Social: Play is important for social development because it helps children learn how to interact with others. Through play, children develop an understanding of social expectations and rules, and play provides opportunities to share thoughts and ideas, to listen, and to compromise.
Emotional: Play helps children understand and process their emotions. When a child loses a game, for example, they learn to process sadness, anger, and grief. Playing also helps build confidence and encourages the development of their identity and self-esteem.
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