The Benefits of Play for Children

Playtime for kids is unbelievably important. Fun is the way that children develop social skills with their peers that will carry them through life. On the playground when an argument ensues, or teasing is present, your child is faced with decisions on how to handle these situations. Teachers can step in and show them the correct response then it becomes a learning experience as well.

Some may think that playing alone, on the other hand, encourages children to shy away from others. However,  playing alone also helps kids socially, as it develops a strong sense of independence, promotes creativity and imagination and alleviates boredom when they devise their own entertainment. When a child plays alone on the playground, they can also learn social cues by observing other kids’ interactions without being part of them.

Aside from the communicative know-how they obtain, there are also obvious physical benefits to play time. Encouraging children to play sports and be active individuals is equally as meaningful to their advancement. A sport teaches children teamwork and playing on a jungle gym or in a tree house facilitates an imaginative quality. These are the skills that help guide them into more abstract careers like creative writing or graphic design. Lethargy becomes the norm when children are not encouraged to go outside. Kids can become less capable physically if they aren’t encouraged to be active.

Playground equipment like climbers and overhead hanging apparatuses present kids with physical challenges, and free play encourages them to take risks. When kids take that risk and overcome the challenge, they develop a sense of accomplishment that leads to higher self-esteem. Free play also encourages children to develop skills that build self-confidence, such as conflict resolution and imaginative dramatic play. 

Work and play should work in tandem with each other to ensure that our children are balanced in every aspect of their development.