Toys and games are an essential part of any childhood. They’re a great tool in a parent’s arsenal. They distract the children and can also be a source of comfort in times of emotional turmoil. Aside from the obvious, toys and games actually play a very important role in a child’s development.
Play improves children’s well-being, cognitive skills, social skills as well as their physical health. All that running around goes a long way towards making sure children are healthy and physically fit.
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Why is Play Important?
Play serves many functions for children, but primarily, children learn about themselves, others and the world around them through play. Different games and toys teach children different skills that are necessary for their development.
Depending on how easily bored your child is, you might find yourself buying a lot of toys. Double your savings with huge discounts from Very when you’re stocking up on new toys. Children can also learn from playing without toys, for example, in free play children can depend on their imagination and what’s available.
There are, of course, lots of educational toys on the market that are designed to teach specific things. This doesn’t mean that educational toys are the only toys that children can benefit from.
There are benefits to be gained from basically any toy that you buy your child, no matter the price. There is no wrong or right way for your child to play.
Benefits of Play
Children improve the following skills and attributes by engaging in play:
- They build their confidence in themselves and their abilities.
- They build their self-esteem.
- They develop resilience.
- They learn social skills and how to appropriately interact with others.
- They learn how to be independent and how to cope in challenging situations.
Types of Play
There are generally two types of play that children engage in. Free play and structured play. Now, in this day and age, technology can also be a significant part of a child’s play. There is also the temptation to distract children by putting them in front of a screen.
This should generally be avoided in favor of other types of play. The younger the child is, the less screen time they should be getting. Playing with toys and games is a better use of their time and a better way to develop their hearts and minds.
Free Play
Free play can also be known as unstructured play. Free play is completely dictated by the child and whatever interests them at that moment. Free play is particularly important for younger children as it allows them to play at their own pace and really stretch their imaginations.
Free play encompasses a wide range of activities and is really about just letting the child get on with it. Free play is generally quite creative and imaginative play. It can encompass dress-up and role-playing, for example. It also includes artistic activities, music, reading and making crafts.
It can also just be as simple as exploring a new space like a park or a playground and allowing the child the space to discover new things. Free play is just as beneficial solo as it is with other participants. Parents should feel free to participate but still allow the child to take the lead. They can, and should, offer suggestions if necessary.
Structured Play
Older children are more likely to benefit from, and enjoy structured play. Structured play is usually adult-led and at a set time or in a set space. The most common examples of structured play are sports and outdoor games. Classes or workshops for certain activities like dance classes and swimming classes can also be classified as structured play.
They are also a perfect way to work physical activity into a child’s routine and encourage a healthy relationship with exercise and being active. These kinds of activities typically require teamwork or multiple participants so they help children learn to socialize and work with others.
Final Thoughts
Encourage your children to play and do your best to create an environment that is conducive to play. Playing with toys and playing games with others is a vital part of a child’s development. Playing with your children will not only help them but also help grow the bond between you. Try to find and create toys that engage your children.
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Toddlers collection
