The Benefits of Creative Playtime for Kids
Uninterrupted sessions of creative play are crucial for children in many ways. Kids have powerful imaginations. And when they imitate their favorite character, their confidence grows even stronger. If you want to see your child grow up with intelligence, become successful, and cooperative; protect their playtime from all forms of encroachment.
The Benefits of Creative Playtime for Kids
Letting your child have hours of quality playtime to put their imagination to work is a beneficial investment. It significantly contributes to their education without demanding anything more than time and space.
However, it requires you to express faith in your child’s inner strength, potential, and ability to discover their interests. According to psychiatrist Kay Redfield, play is not a luxury for children. It’s a necessity. When children are denied time to play, they can become anxious, depressed, narcissist, and suicidal.
How to Enhance Creative Playtime for Kids
Andrea Nair says you can take specific steps towards improving your child’s playtime quality.
Allow your Child to Choose Their Activities
A child interested in several activities should be allowed to choose one or two activities to pursue. The activities should be scheduled so that he has the opportunity to alternate between them all. For example, they can pursue swimming and soccer during the summer. And then try drama and piano during the winter.
[Read: A Guide to Choosing After School Activities]
Designate a Space for Their Creative Play
Consider carving out a creative space for your child. It doesn’t have to be fancy or with a lot of luxurious toys. It could be a small corner in the house with a box of LEGO blocks or old clothes to let them play up.
Consider adding items that stimulate your child’s intelligence. A good idea is to get them age-appropriate puzzle books from PennyDell Puzzles to challenge their reasoning. Remember not to dominate your child’s space and don’t try to entertain them. Instead, let them feel that they have control over their creative space.
Don’t Encourage Screens Too Early
Technology has taken over the world and brought a shift in how things are done, including how children play. Instead of going outdoors and playing with things around them, they want to stay indoors, glued to their PlayStations and other online games.
However, experts agree that children under two years old should not be introduced to screen time. This means keeping them away from computers, mobile devices, and video games.
It’s hard for them to compete with bright screens and flashing, and their desire for free play will diminish. It’s better to wait until they’re at least four years old to introduce them and then allow them frequent access much later.
[Read: Trading Activities for Play Time & The Importance of Play]
Final Thoughts on Creative Play for Kids
Playtime is crucial for your child’s intellectual and physical development. It allows them to develop their confidence, language skills, and good communication. Ensure you expose your child to different environments that encourage creative play.
By supporting their creative self, you’ll help them enjoy the benefits of this kind of play. Most importantly, they’ll get to understand the world from a broader perspective.
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Toddlers collection
