It’s Playtime! Why Kids Need It So Badly

We all know from our own experience as children that play is an essential part of life. But modern life seems to have drained some of the magic out of playtime. Kids spend more time than ever just sitting passively in front of screens rather than actively building their skills and using their imaginations.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. As a parent, it’s part of your job to make sure that your kids can play as much as possible. It’s essential for them to be able to learn how to navigate the world and become fully functioning adults. Check out some of the following reasons why playtime is so important.

Play Helps Develop Motor Skills

Toy makers, such as Grimms, know that part of their purpose is to make toys that help children develop motor skills. In fact, one of the main objectives of toys for young children is to give them something to manipulate physically. After all, many young children are still working out how to move their hands and feet. It is often easy for parents to forget how little control children have over their bodies. But persistent play is the key to overcoming these difficulties and building a repertoire of skills that can be applied to any situation in which the child may find himself.

It Releases Happy Hormones

Depression is a significant problem among adults. Ask any group of adults whether they know somebody with depression and practically everybody will raise their hand and say that they do. But kids are different. Very few young children, if any, experience prolonged negative feelings. And one of the main reasons for this is their constant desire to play. According to many experts, play allows children to get into a frame of mind where they are wholly focused on the external world, not on themselves. They develop close relationships with the other children they play with and are often highly active. All of this contributes to a sense of wellbeing almost automatically.

It Teaches Children To Imagine

Play doesn’t just help children develop physical skills. It’s also an activity which helps to engage essential parts of the brain, like the imagination. One of the beautiful things about play is that it allows children to burst through some of the fears that they may have and develop more confidence in their abilities. The imagination itself often drives this progress. Children see a future that they want to create and then they become passionate about achieving it.

It Helps To Bring Parents And Children Closer

Finally, play is vital for helping to cement the bond between parent and child. Research shows that children need some time in physical contact with parents. Children who get this contact through play can learn about the world faster, as well as their own limitations. Parents who play with their children help to create a bond with them and demonstrate to the child that their activities are valuable. It’s far more fun than merely observing.

Nb. Collaborative post.