Playing helps children learn and cultivate a slew of intellectual and emotional skills. It is through play that children learn to process their surroundings and the environment they live in.
According to a study, play reduces stress levels and is vital for the development of children. For instance, kids play equipment enhances cognitive skills among infants. Toys also help children to develop cognitive, organisational and social abilities.
Due to the progressive nature of games, children also inculcate creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills. Therefore, it’s vital to encourage children to play different games to complement their overall growth.
Here are six reasons why playing can make ‘Jack’ a bright child!
Helps Them Learn Languages
Children learn by picking up things from their surroundings, especially infants. They learn words and actions by mimicking people around them. They intently observe the action and words of nearby adults to learn and expand their vocabulary.
Promotes Motor Skills
Playing helps in the development of motor skills among children by encouraging movement, dexterity and supporting balance. Engaging in activities like running, dancing, building blocks, and jumping promotes flexibility, stamina and body awareness.
Boost Creativity
Children learn how to process things intellectually through playing. Evidently, kids play equipment like puzzles, playhouse, etc., help little ones develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving aptitude.
Playing also facilitates exploration of the surrounding, thereby boosting creativity among children.
Allows Them To Socialise
Playing allows children to hone an array of skills like socialisation, cooperation and communication. Children usually learn how to make friends through playing with other kids. Toys like playing ball, tree climbing and bikes can further encourage their social development.
Cultivate ‘Sharing’ Habits
Activities like playing ball and trying different costumes enhance children’s proprioception and good social habits. By playing with siblings or other kids, children learn crucial skills like sharing, which is necessary for life.
Develops Cognitive And Intellectual Abilities
Playing helps to reinforce memory and fan curiosity in children, which is vital for the development of intellectual abilities. Creativity lays the foundation for cognitive processing, which boosts brainstorming and conceptualising skills in humans.
Playing also gives children an outlet for experimentation which helps them to learn how to communicate and interact with others.
Why Should Parents Encourage Their Child To Play?
Playing helps children to grow into independent and healthy adults. It reduces stress levels and develops an emotional quotient among children from an early stage.
According to studies, children who don’t engage in playing are at a higher risk of behaviour and attention problems. Lack of play snatches the opportunity to hone the skills and imagination necessary to succeed in their life.
It also increases stress levels and hinders their emotional and social development. As per an AAP study, lack of playing can also disrupt children’s overall growth in the long term.
Summing Up
Playing acts as a vital stimulant for children’s development and thus should be supported and encouraged by parents. It helps them to express and explore their emotions and process ideas and experiences.
Playing inculcates important qualities like perseverance, teamwork and community functioning among children. The skills that children learn by playing different games and activities accumulate over time, thereby catalysing their personal growth.