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Play is the method by which children develop cognitive, social and motor skills. Make sure your child has enough playtime.
We often try to give our children the best opportunities possible by enrolling them in music lessons, soccer, football, baseball, gymnastics, chess club, and more. While these are all good opportunities for kids to learn and develop, there is one important thing that may be missing - play. In reality, a child's main job is to play because that is how they learn important skills. They learn to interact with others, they learn to use their imagination, and they learn how much fun it is to be active. Some parents look at play time as wasted time, but more and more experts are finding that play time is essential to a child's development.
Through social play, your child will learn sharing, taking turns, using manners, being kind and helping one another as your child grows. Teach your child the rules to games. Allow them to change the rules only after everyone has agreed. Are you allowing your child enough time to play? Answer the following questions and find out. Does your child get enough unstructured playtime? Does your child have to turn down play dates because of too many outside activities? Does your child resist or dread going to activities? Do you play on the floor with your child? Do you throw the basketball, ride bikes and play soccer with your child? Are your toys organized in labeled bins so your child can independently play? Do you have sand tables and water tables in your back yard? Are your toys simply strewn about so your child has no idea what to play? Does your child have puzzles and games? Do you play outside, dance and move with your child? Playing with your child is one of the best things you can do to help your child grow. Through play you are laying the foundation for social skills and interpersonal comfort that will last a life time. By playing with you your child learns - sharing and caring, imitating and reciprocating, fair play and interpersonal kindness. Play enhances language development, math skills, physical strength, imagination and self-esteem. Take a fresh look at your child's schedule. Adjust it where necessary so that there is enough time built in for your child to just play and have fun.
The copyright of the article Play is the Work of the Child in Parenting Methods is owned by Lynne Kenney. Permission to republish Play is the Work of the Child in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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