4 Reasons Why Your Kids Need to Play During the Coronavirus

Right now, #families across the country are spending nearly the entire day at home with each other, for both better and for worse. Previous routines, norms, and schedules have been turned upside down, and with this new chaotic daily experience, there is more time for children to play.

Although no one can predict the “new normal” when the COVID-19 dust settles, we can at least appreciate the fact that children are finally engaging in their much-needed playtime that is so often removed from their rigorous schedules today.

Playing is such a simple, yet profound concept. It provides children with the ability to explore perspectives, imagination, and personal creativity, helping us to create those memories that we cherish for a lifetime. Unfortunately, this kind of important, childlike engagement has been edged out of children’s lives today, replaced with virtual ballet lessons, music lessons, and so forth.

Right now, the calendars are empty, and that’s a good thing. It is so important as a parent to allow this play time to flourish and expand. Don’t pack the daily schedules with as many online courses as possible. Yes, academics should still happen and sure, some screen time is fine, but the primitive, innocence of play needs to be left unchecked.

What are the notable benefits of this playtime? You’ll be amazed:

1.     Problem Solving Abilities: If you take a moment to watch your child play, you will see the little wheels in their brains turning as they figure out how to complete a challenge or a puzzle. This kind of problem solving will make them more productive learners, workers, and more confident in their ability to solve problems.

2.     Language Augmentation: Have you ever stopped to listen to the language children use when they play together? It is almost as if they create a new language to help them arrive at a solution. Additionally, play makes it easier for kids to read and write if they think it’s part of something “fun.” They’ll be learning and not even know it.

3.     Active Engagement: Play is a kinetic engagement – kids get dirty, loud, and sweaty. They are able to refine their motor skills, exercise their bodies, and get hands-on with different materials and textures. It helps them connect with their bodies more thoroughly.

4.     Personal Creativity: Kids need to be able to explore their personal likes and dislikes. They need to uncover their passions and their creative abilities. This will help them pick careers, etc. that are actually fulfilling to them. Play time is a great way for them to experience different kinds of activities.

 Let your kids play. Now is a time in which we are being forced to reflect on our society, considering some of the benefits when we “take it back to the basics.” The benefits of play are so innumerous, that at the very least in quarantine, allow your kids to play today.