The Power of Play | Psychology Today UK

Written by Dr. Kat Scherer

When you think back to your childhood, your most cherished memories are probably about play. Whether it's running on the playground with friends, singing and dancing, or climbing trees, playtime is closely associated with feelings of joy. These easy and fun activities build the foundation for healthy child development and a strong bond between parent and child.

Play involves stimulation, novelty, fun, and engaging qualities that naturally lead children to connect with adults. Child development experts warn against dismissing play as merely childish. Participating in play is more than just fun and games; it's a powerful tool for growth, learning, and healing. When children play, it's not just about having fun. They are also actively developing important life skills.

Pediatricians, teachers and therapists are playing

Pediatricians encourage parents to incorporate more play into their children's lives. They emphasize the importance of remaining playful in a world often dominated by structure and academic pressures. Going a step further, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors “prescribe play,” emphasizing the critical role play plays in raising well-balanced, resilient, and thriving children. ing.

Additionally, educators, as well as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health therapists, have long recognized that play has a profound impact on learning, healing, and growth. Their extensive experience supports the fundamental truth that children learn best through play.

elements of play

Scientific research outlines six key elements of growth-oriented play.

1. Self selection: Play is spontaneous and freely chosen
2. Self-oriented: Let the child take control, drive the experience, and be motivated
3. fun: Fun activities that create fun moments
4. Voluntary: No script, easy to accept impulsive changes
5. Imaginative: Involves creative exploration beyond the limits of the real world
6. Adventurous: Encourage risk-taking and create new learning opportunities

Wondering how to put these rules into practice with your children? When children take the initiative and embrace spontaneity, adult-child fun becomes the foundation for fruitful play. . It focuses on the child's experience and encourages them to explore their emotions and curiosity without fixating on the outcome. Let kids be fully immersed in the moment and let parents have fun while shaping the game.

The roots of playfulness sprout early. Even young children respond to family interactions by singing, rocking gently, or making vigorous movements. Simple interactions such as eye contact, smiling, and vocalizations capture a newborn's attention and lay the foundation for essential bonding, trust, and reciprocal play. Play begins through seemingly mundane but meaningful interactions.

Social and emotional benefits of play

In the world of play, children learn about themselves and others. Play serves as a dynamic training ground for trying new things, from running and jumping to planning and strategizing. Children discover their natural talents, likes and dislikes. Embracing new challenges, combined with fun and calculated risks, provides fresh opportunities to deepen self-awareness and strengthen confidence.

Participating in active play with others strengthens children's desire to connect with their peers. Laughter and fun create brightness and have the power to heal. Harmonious play serves as a protection against negativity and stress. Importantly, when parents play with their children, it acts as a stress-reducing valve and an antidote to the challenges of adversity.

Collaborative play opens up learning opportunities for navigating differences, such as negotiating the rules of a game. Interactive play requires children to pay attention, actively listen, and regulate their emotions to overcome conflict. During cooperative play, children learn the balance of maintaining patience and understanding with playmates while asserting boundaries.

Winning is not the only lesson learned from play. These include the resilience that comes from overcoming failure, trying again, and moving on. Some challenges may overwhelm children. When children seem preoccupied with negative thoughts or distraught, adults can provide support and guidance and help explore possible solutions.

physical and intellectual growth

Play not only provides social and emotional benefits, but also promotes the development of physical and intellectual abilities. Creative and fun activities increase strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility. In the realm of play, children hone their body awareness (proprioception and interoception), which research suggests plays a vital role in developing emotional intelligence and resilience. Fun activities like running, jumping, and catching a ball develop coordination and problem-solving skills.

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of play in brain development, influencing executive functions such as attention and planning. Playtime stimulates intellectual curiosity and stimulates a natural desire to learn. For example, children playing “Grocery Store” utilize their math and problem-solving skills. Balancing blocks or running around the playground requires planning and coordination. Building a restaurant requires literacy. In essence, play becomes a fun way to learn.

Cost of missed plays

Despite its many benefits, free play has declined in recent years, falling victim to the fast pace of modern life and the increase in organized activities. Severe effects have been observed when children miss out on rich, exploratory play that fosters spontaneous joy.

The effects of a childhood deprived of play impact long-term well-being far beyond the immediate impact. Lack of enjoyable social interactions impedes social development and builds up stress. Without play, there are fewer opportunities to connect, learn and experiment, stifling creativity and limiting the development of essential life skills.

Parents are being asked to create space for their children's unplanned play and protect their children's mental, social and physical health, with ripple effects that benefit the whole family.

Adults have playtime too.

When was the last time you played and had a good time? In the demands and busyness of everyday life, as parents, we often overlook the value of play, not only for our children but for ourselves as well. .

Prioritizing play as an adult is not a luxury. It is an essential element for a healthy and happy life. Play not only brings joy, but it also has physical and mental benefits for adults as well as children. It serves as a powerful stress reliever, a source of creativity, and a sustainable foundation for resilience.

In the constant pursuit of daily responsibilities, don't forget to set aside time for play, whether it's immersing yourself in a new hobby, playing a game, or simply embracing spontaneity. Welcoming fun and laughter not only enriches our lives but also brings moments of joy to our families.

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