Understanding How Playing Helps Child Development

Play is a natural part of childhood. Yes, it's fun and exciting, but it also contributes to your child’s emotional well-being, physical development, social skills, cognitive growth, and more. Play allows children to discover things on their own. It builds confidence and fosters a sense of curiosity, creativity, and coordination. But how? Why is play so important in childhood development, and how can parents help give their children the time and space they need? Here, we'll go over everything you need to know about how playing helps child development.

What is Unstructured Play, and How Does it Help Children Learn?

Unstructured playtime means playing without any clear goal or outcome. It's about playing for the sake of playing instead of playing to win or achieve a desirable result. With unstructured playtime, there's no right or wrong way to play. This gives children a unique opportunity to discover new situations and learn how to solve problems on their own. It also allows kids to use their imagination and practice new techniques. Every child needs this freedom, and it can have tremendous long-term benefits.

Although it can be difficult to get out of "teacher" mode, try to give your child the space to do whatever they want during playtime at least a few times a day. Just make sure to schedule unstructured playtime in a safe area and continue to maintain supervision to avoid any injuries or accidents.

The Importance of Play: Benefits of Play on Your Child's Development

The power of play is no joke. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), play helps improve children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being into early adulthood. Some of the most notable ways that play helps children develop include the following:

• Improves physical health
• Strengthens social skills
• Fosters cognitive growth
• It may help speech, hearing, and vision develop
• Decreases emotional stressors
• Builds creativity and imagination
• Helps children develop essential skills
• Teaches them to overcome challenges
• Encourages independence

Some Key Information on Child's Play and Technology

Unfortunately, children's playtime has slowly declined over the past few decades. More structured schedules have impeded free play opportunities, and the issue of safety and security in public places has grown. Moreover, children's play has seemed to shift to a more digital sphere where technology and apps triumph over real-life interactions. However, screen time does not replace how a child plays in the real world.

In fact, screen time can have a direct effect on children's mental health. Research shows that 30% of children and teens who used the internet for over three hours a day were diagnosed with depression. Although it's okay now and then, it's better to help your child interact with others and learn about the world around them. Try to limit screen time early to avoid dependency and help improve their health and development.

Different Types of Play

Luckily, children can engage in several different types of play to help develop skills they need for later in life. Experiment with different types depending on age and try to incorporate a few activities in each category for a well-rounded development. Some of the most notable types of play include:

• Physical Play — This includes things like dancing, running, jumping, climbing, and moving their bodies, which can help improve motor skills and coordination while decreasing the risk of childhood obesity.
• Exploratory Play — This encourages children to take risks (safely) and explore their environment. It can help foster curiosity and cognitive development as they age.
• Sensory Play — Engaging all five senses (touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing) can help stimulate brain development and enhance sensory perception.
• Social Play — Interacting with others is crucial for helping happy kids age into happy adults. It also plays a part in emotional regulation and empathy development.
• Outdoor Play — Playing outside is a great way to enjoy fresh air and nature. Go on walks together, explore a new forest, or visit the zoo for exciting outdoor playtime.
• Imaginary Play — Children who use their imagination tend to be more creative as they get older, but they also show increased problem-solving skills and emotional expression. Although an imaginary friend can be alarming at certain ages, encourage pretend play during their development. If you're worried about their mental health at any point, schedule a visit with your pediatrician or a mental health professional.
• Constructive Play — Building things out of blocks or paper can help children fine-tune their motor skills and gain a better understanding of how things work.
• Cooperative Play — Working together towards a common goal can help teach children of all ages teamwork, sharing, and negotiation.
• Playing with Toys and Objects — Engaging with toys or household objects can help children better understand cause and effect and spatial awareness. It can also be an easy form of entertainment and relaxation for many. You don't need expensive baby toys to do this, either. Many kids are just as interested in pots, pans, or wooden spoons as pricey toys.

Age-Appropriate Ideas to Help Encourage Play

Being playful will have a different definition for every stage of your child's life. Regardless, there's really no wrong way to play as long as your child is safe. Still, what helps encourage a newborn's social-emotional skills will vastly differ from the play that a four-year-old requires. Here are a few ideas for age-appropriate playtime.

Types of Play for Newborns

Play can start as soon as your newborn begins to smile. Responding to their facial features can boost social-emotional skills and help children understand reactions. The same can be said about imitating cooing noises or babbling. Although it makes no logical sense, the back-and-forth mimics “conversation” and plays a part in developing social skills and language.

Additionally, spend time showing your baby different colored toys, singing songs, and exploring new textures. Tummy time can also be a great way for newborns to play, showing them a new perspective of their surroundings.

Tips for Playing at 7 to 12 Months

Once your child becomes mobile, allow them to play in any way they can. Just make sure that they're in a safe environment to do so. Then, put some toys within their vicinity and give them time to play. Allow them to see how their touch impacts items, such as rolling or picking them up and dropping them. Playing peek-a-boo is also a great way to reinforce object permanence.

Another fun way to help kids learn about facial expressions is to bring out a mirror and start making different expressions together. Not only is it fun (and adorable), but it can help your child develop empathy and emotional understanding. Continue with sensory play during this stage and consider socializing with children their age.

Playtime in Early Childhood

When it's time for child care or preschool, be diligent about the facility you choose. Look for places that understand play is important and schedule it into their day. At home, let your child play with all sorts of new objects as long as they're safe. Even empty Tupperware containers can turn into an exciting problem-solving activity for young kids. Outside of your home or child care, set up playdates with other children so they can continue interacting in various social situations. Make-believe games are also a great idea at this age, along with reading, songs, and exploring their body through movement like with hopscotch or dance.

How to Keep Play Exciting from 4 to 6 Year

Once they're older, new opportunities for play arise. Spend some time playing hide-and-seek and continue to encourage imaginative play. Encourage participation in creative activities like music, dance, or drawing so they can explore their interests and develop hobbies. Continue to read and tell stories and schedule time for social interactions outside of the house. If you allow your kids to use technology, set limits and find ways to get them moving whenever they're not online. As they integrate into elementary school, try to find options with a playground that includes recess or extracurricular activities outside of STEM to help prioritize playtime as they age.

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