When you think of PLAY, you probably think of climbing, swimming, playing games, laughter and care-free environments. If you asked kids why they run, jump, swing or climb, they’ll tell you, “…because it’s fun.” But research shows play is much more than just fun, it’s crucial to the development of kids and helps them to be physically fit and healthy. Medical professionals, researchers and educators have long since touted the benefits of play. But why? What is it about this very instinctive activity that is encouraged in every stage of life and is regarded as an essential tool in child development?
Physically, when kids are playing, they are:
- learning reflexes & movement control
- developing fine & gross motor skills while increasing flexibility & balancing skills
- building stronger muscles & improving bone density
- improving heart & lung function, preventing obesity, diabetes & high cholesterol
While we are able to see the physical benefits of play, there are also unseen internal benefits that play can crucial to emotional development.
Research has pointed to three areas where play helps children develop emotionally:
- building self-confidence & esteem
- experimenting with various emotions
- & releasing emotions from trauma
Encouraging children to express themselves emotionally during play is just as important as encouraging good physical health. Free play has proven to be therapeutic for children who are emotionally distressed from traumatic situations like child abuse, family disruptions and/or the experience of natural disaster or war. Studies show that when playing, children can release emotions and “play out” their traumas so they can share feelings freely.
Kids love play for many reasons, but one of the primary reasons that kids love to play is because it gives them an opportunity to be creative. Play helps children to develop a strong sense of imagination and independence.
This creative outlet encourages:
- autonomous thinking & problem solving
- helps improve ability to focus & control behavior
- develop language & reasoning skills
- helps children to learn discovery & develop verbal & manipulative skills
- & teaches children about consequences & risk, which helps them in decision making as they grow up
Children learn and practice many of the skills they will need as adults because of free play. In our role as stewards of good health and models for future generations. Our goal is to educate those about the benefits of play and to influence change in schools and communities through sustainable forms of living and play.