Let kids just PLAY!

Playing is just more than a childhood activity that keeps kids busy and out of your hair; play is actually an integral part to the development of cognitive, physical, social, and the emotional well-being of all children. It’s so important, in fact, that play has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as the right of every child. Not to mention, it’s also a scientifically proven way for parents to more closely bond with their children.

 Especially for children that live with any kind of mental, social, or physical disability, play is an avenue for them to express themselves without requiring the same communication as traditional methods.

So why is play so important? Here are a few reasons your child must play:

1.     To Play is to Learn:

While children play, they essentially create new games, formulate new rules, solve puzzles, and learn a lot about themselves along the way. Play can take many forms that require children, either on their own or with friends, to arrive at some end-point. To get there, they explore the creative and logical portions of their brain that help them formulate solutions. “To play is to learn.”

2.     Communication:

Some children are not able to talk, argue, yell, or communicate like other children. They need a way to express themselves. While children play, they are able to explore other forms of communication through expression, hearing, touching, teaching, and so forth. It’s an essential creative outlet for children that are unable to keep up with regular communication standards.

3.     Physical Exertion:

Childhood obesity and lack of physical movement is a serious concern in our country right now. Children were meant to run around, jump, pant, lay down, and do it all over again. While children play, they actually develop their nervous system and sensory recall as they interact with each other and the environment around them. This physical exertion is a win-win for everyone involved.

4.     Personal Passions:

Children are allowed to be themselves while they play, choosing games that make them happy. They don’t have to go with the flow or take the same test everyone else is taking. This way, they can explore their own innate passions, and learn more about what makes them happy.

5.     Patience and Understanding:

While playing, children can’t always have their way immediately. They have to learn how to be patient, how to share, and how to understand the process. These kinds of experiences are invaluable in the development of a stable and approachable adult once the children age.