Play is fun, and most children are natural at it. But did you know that a child’s playtime is arguably the most vital part of their day? Children of all ages learn to explore their world through playing with toys, practicing new skills, and enjoying time with friends. Children develop the skills they will need for the rest of their lives. And it’s not just cognitive skills either, but social ones too.
No matter what we know about childhood, we might not be aware of this fact: Children need play. Not only is it fun, but it impacts all areas of their growth and development. Play benefits children’s development physically, emotionally, and intellectually. It is also crucial in developing a child’s fine motor skills. Physically, a child’s muscles are strengthened, and they gain stamina, which is great for their large motor development.
Children are relentless when it comes to questioning, exploring, and learning about their world. Parents need to create an environment that allows children to challenge themselves using toys, materials, and various educational tools that will help them think critically and understand the relationships between each other regarding what they perceive.
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Play allows children to develop their cognitive skills. Participating in play and planned play activities helps children understand basic concepts such as colors, how to build things, and solve problems.
Children need opportunities to engage in play because it teaches them how to understand the world around them. Socially, children learn how to negotiate with others, share, learn empathy, and start to understand the importance of following rules. Play also gives children the opportunity to learn teambuilding skills. What is also important is that children learn how to make and keep friends while playing.
Play gives children many opportunities to explore new circumstances and be someone other than themselves. Play also helps them develop strong self-esteem, learn about fairness, and manage emotions when playing with others; for example, not hitting when frustrated.
It is essential to encourage your child’s development: Play with them, paint pictures, and build imaginary cities with toy blocks. Allow them to explore a world they construct, encourage their imagination, and keep the fun going. Childhood is short, so let them engage in a lifetime of learning through play while they’re young.
