"Child Development" Baby to Gradeschooler and Why They Should Play

Children and playing go together. It is something that children do even when they are tiny babies. It is the way they learn and develop. Pretending is how they can experience things that they would not otherwise be able to do yet. It is not necessary for you to decide what your child will play, but it is important to be involved. Children could play peek-a-boo for hours. Most people don't realize that a simple game of peek-a-boo, helps children develop confidence and security. It helps them know that when you go away, you will be coming back.

When a toddler plays, he is very likely developing his motor skills with every thing he touches. At this age everything is a toy to them. Spoons, bowls, lids, pots and pans, nothing is safe. This is when they are just as excited to play with the box, as with what came in it. So when your toddler dumps out the kitchen drawer for the 100th time, remember he is developing motor skills, he needs to explore.

Preschoolers enjoy playing with others more. They want to use their imaginations with others, playing house, babies, trucks, etc. Their physical and motor skills allow them to do allot more.

School-age children enjoy organized play. Singing songs, playing games, sports, and projects are what keep their attention.

Why is this important to know? Playing is one of the most important jobs of a child. It is hard for adults to understand, but play helps children to develop into what they will be as an adult.

1. Play is just plain fun, giggling and laughing. Who doesn't want their child to be happy? When they are happy, you are happy!


2. Children develop their physical and motor skills by playing. This is how they move their bodies. It is learning reaction time to catch a ball and how to move when throwing a ball. They must learn to match what they see with what their body needs to do. Coordination and balance go along with this.


3. Cognitive learning is the intellectual development of a child. If you tell a child that 2+2=4, he is not likely to remember it or even understand why. But if you show a child that when you have 2 cars and I give you 2 more cars, then you have 4 cars, he will be able to relate to that and make the connection. When a child plays with blocks of different shapes, he can create different shapes when he puts them together. The child is developing concepts through play. Even as adults, sometimes we do not get things until we are physically shown.


4. Play develops socio-emotional learning. Children have to learn to deal with other people. How to treat others and how to react to disappointments in life. Basically they are learning how to act in a social setting. Playing with others requires sharing and being kind to others. When your child loses a ball game, they are helping to develop their emotional learning. When your toddler makes a new friend, she is learning social skills.


5. Play stimulates children to be creative. If your child can't imagine things, then it limits them. Imagination gives them confidence. It means they think they can do anything. Imagination is the best way for a child to express themselves. The more a child can use their creativity when they are young, the more comfortable they will be using it as an adult.


6. Language development increases with play. Toddlers will be able to communicate better the more they hear and use words. So sing songs and say rhymes with them. Say everything you are doing, out loud. I am going to put your socks on. We are making dinner. I am stirring the noodles. Whatever it may be. The more they here you talk, the better their language skills will be. If you play with words, they will be more likely to listen to you, because they are having fun.


7. Playing with your child is a great opportunity to get closer to your little one. Let your child pick the activity. It will let them be in control and allot of times express their feelings. When you watch a child play, it gives you an inlet to what kinds of things they are dealing with emotionally. Help them to do things on their own. When your child says he can't do something, don't just rush in and do it for them. Ask them questions, "What do you think you could do to get this done by yourself." Get them thinking and learning. This will help teach independent thinking. When they figure it out, make sure you praise them for their success.
   

Now that you see how important play is for children, encourage them in it. If you see them struggling in a certain area, then you can work with them by playing. Look at the great person you have become. Just imagine what your children will become if they play, play, play.