subject: Importance Of Play For Your Child [print this page] It is important to understand that play not only provides fun and entertainment to the children but also let them overcome mental and physical challenges. For optimal development of your child read the following benefits of play:
1.Creative/imaginative development
Sigmund Freud (1958) suggested that every child at play behaves like a creative writer, in that he creates a world of his own, or, rather, rearranges the things of his world in a new way which pleases him.The creative writer does the same as the child at play. He creates a world of phantasy which he takes very seriouslythat is, which he invests with large amounts of emotion.
Imaginative play holds an important role in the development of creative intellect within a child. It is the beginning of the childs own world where he/she includes any type of object. Be it a simple piece of wood which is looked upon as a boat or some pots which is looked upon as drum set, the child assumes extensively. In addition, he/she imagines roles from doctor to teacher to even a scientist. This shows his keenness and also brings out the concepts he/she struggles to understand.
Moreover he/she incorporates the everyday observation into the play. Social behaviour and sense of control gets developed through such practices.
2.Social skills development
While playing, children interact with others and thus increase their social interactive skills. The benefits of play for social skills can be summarised in the following ways:
It makes children responsive to the feelings and reactions of their friends. They share their experiences and hence learn to interact.
It enables children to develop their verbal communication skills along with gestures and body language. They also learn to appreciate and acknowledge about the feelings of others.
They come across different roles in their home, school and community. It enables them to understand diverse point of views.
3.Physical development
Playing helps the children hone multiple physical skills. While skipping and jumping on trampolines teaches the child to balance, sport activities teach coordination. swings promote overall fitness levels and develop spatial awareness. Playing also helps the child overcome stress and revitalise their mind from boredom and monotonous schedule.
4.Emotional development
Children feel comfortable to express their emotional state/feelings through games and physical activity.
They try to understand events by creating imaginary settings and characters. Sometimes the child lets out his/her hidden desires through play. For example if he/she wishes to have cookies, then that would be included in the play.
The child might express his/her reaction to any daily event through the play. For example the accident observed in the day.
Parents role
Participating into the make-believe world of your child will make him/her understand your love and affection. However, make sure to let your child take the charge at the time of play. This will let you understand his/her interests and also see his/her judgement skills.
