Connect with other mommies. Join our new By Roxann Pixler
Play contributes such an important role both physically and mentally in the quality of child development that in General Assembly Resolution 44/25, November 20, 1989, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recognized play as the right of every child. “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.” Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
A child’s early experiences have been shown to have a direct impact to the development of the brain and the child’s ability to learn. Engaging play activities can contribute to this growth and development. For example, allowing a child to create and resolve uncertainty will teach a healthy way to respond to stress. A child’s ability to rise to challenges placed before him can also be greatly enhanced by play.
Physical play can contribute to the development of motor skills. Medically, the expenditure of energy can help in the prevention of chronic illnesses by increasing the efficiency of the immune, endocrine and cardiovascular systems as well as the relief of anxiety, stress, fatigue and depression. Agility, coordination, balance and flexibility are also increased by physical activities. Backyard spaces and playgrounds are ideal locations for physical activates and play. The exercise that a child receives during physical play increases the quality of life they will have in the future. Children who participate in exercise will likely continue to participate in exercise as adults.
Children learn about the world around them. Through group play children learn how to get along well with others, language skills and develop motor skills. A child who plays with others reaps enormous benefits in their social skills. They develop compassion and sharing as well as an enhanced feeling of acceptance. They learn the art of how to handle conflicts. As adults we deal with others on a day-to-day basis. Group play will enable your child to handle the real life situations he or she will enter into in their later life experiences.
Specific benefits are also gained through structured sports. Among them are the feelings of belonging. It has been found through research that children develop a positive body image and greater self-esteem through these activities. This is especially true in girls. Another important benefit is discipline or the ability to set and stick to goals. By working hard to achieve goals they learn they can accomplish what they set out to do. This can go far into adulthood. Involvement in school sports can have a positive effect on academic success. Other qualities children learn from participating in sports are leadership and teamwork.
While structured play has it benefits, children can become bored if all of their play is structured in nature. Children can lose some of the benefits of play when that play is controlled by adults. “When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest and ultimately engage fully in the passions they with to pursue.” American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report 2007. Children by their nature tend to give in to the rules and ideas of the adult rather than their own creativity and devices. Therefore, it is important that adults make an effort to not control all of the child’s play. A child needs to learn self-entertainment for those times when they are alone or have unscheduled time. Children enjoy creating scenarios of pretend and conversations mirroring the everyday life activities they encounter both inside and outside of the home.
A good balance of the toys we choose for our child are the tools they will use to practice and develop through the stages of development. Toys such as wagons, bikes, puzzles and blocks are great for physical and muscle development. Sensory development is enhanced by playing with musical instruments, play dough, and bubbles. Cars, trucks, games and dress-up clothes aid in social development by promoting make-believe. Clay, crayons, books, paper and scissors spark the creativity and intellectual development. While video games and TV have their place in our lives, these items are considered “passive” and should not be used as a substitute for toys that are considered “active” and that spark a child’s development.
Children need to be children. Play is an important part of your child’s routine. Making sure that your child has a good balance of structured and unstructured playtime can aid in their development providing them with the skills required to handle the daily challenges of life.
Roxann Pixler is the owner of http://www.MyToyBoxOnline.com a premier online store dedicated to providing safe and efficient childs toy boxes, storage benches and other storage boxes for children.
Ms. Pixler has written and published articles on Age-Appropriate Toys and Toy Safety.
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