Children today are not playing like children in generations past. In fact, many children do not even know how to engage in play other than with electronics. Play is often seen as “child’s play”, however it is an essential part of life no matter the age. Instead of disregarding the value of play, we all need to recognize how the need for play is critical and play is so important.
Play grows the brain. Free play (play without interference from adults guiding what children do when playing) changes the connections of neurons in the brain and helps wire the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible executive function, attention, working memory, impulse control and emotional regulation.
Unstructured play has a purpose as it prepares the brain for learning and leads to children discovering how to make sense of the world. More educators notes developmental concerns in children who do not have experiences of play. The four main areas of concern include:
- issues with self regulation
- difficulties in paying with other children
- decreased oral vocabulary
- underdeveloped fine and gross motor skills
While there has been a decline in play, an increase in children mental disorders has occurred. Over the last 50 years now opportunities to play have been reduced. Play functions as the major means by which children (1) develop intrinsic interests and abilities (2) learn how to make decisions, solve problems, exert self-control, and follow rules (3) develop emotional regulation (4) make friends and learn to get along with others as equals and (5) experience joy! Play promotes mental health through all of these effects.
Play improves cognitive abilities, develops language and communication increases creativity, foster expression of emotions, promotes mastery of physical skills, and enhances social skills and relationships.
How Can Adults Promote Play?
-Avoid diminishing play for fear of getting hurt.
-Allow time for play in schedules rather than over scheduling with extra-curricular activities.
-Limit input in play and let children use their imagination to freely engage in the type of play they want and navigate determining the “rules”
-Become a “co-player” and play with your children encouraging them to take the lead.
-Provide children with options of non electronic toys. Open ended toys such as blocks, play dough, play houses, pretend play kitchens, toy cars, shopping carts, play food, even chairs and blankets encourage creative and novel play.
