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Do you limit the time your children get to play? For some parents, that may seem like not only a good choice but a necessary choice because the hunger kids have for what seems like a lot of goofing around gets in the way of school, homework, and chores. But what many of these parents are missing is that play is not just fun for children; it is an imperative component of human development. It appears that play is actually a natural process for humans that plays very specific roles. Let's look at some of the reasons for this misunderstood truth.
1. Creativity and Imagination
Play time allows children to put their growing imagination to work. Watch kids playing "pretend" and it will amaze you how deep and complex their imaginations are. This is a chance for them to let that go and use it to the fullest with no regimented order of events like you might find in the classroom environment. It is their world for the making, and the more they make it, the better they get at creating.
2. Independent Thinking
This ability to do things their own way, exactly how they like it, is their way of practicing independent thinking skills. They learn to think for themselves and pull thoughts from outside the box. They are normally not following�they are leading.
3. Cognitive Skills
All this brain activity that happens during a session of playing around is also working their cognitive skills. Most kids, in these moments, will be solving problems (even if the problems are created by their imagination) and developing basic skills in logic.
4. Social Functioning
Typically, kids don't play alone, and in fact, horsing around is their version of socializing. Watch kids play with a group of kids they just met. It energizes them beyond description and they make friends for life in these moments. This also gives them a chance to learn how to control their emotions and how to deal with some of the less than ideal dynamics of a group.
5. Health
Playing tag, hide n' seek, catch, or just running around a playground�these activities all have something in common. They provide physical exercise. When children do these things, they are improving their motor skills and learning to use their bodies. Their circulation is working at capacity, their heart is pumping, and their lungs are working overtime�in a good way.
All of these benefits come together to highlight an undeniable truth. Playing around is simple great for your kids and a very natural thing�that's why it comes to kids so easily.
In many ways, it may be doing more for them than sitting in a classroom they don't want to be in�and did you ever stop to think there might be a reason every school has a playground: It's not just because they gave into what the kids "wanted;" it's because it's a vital component of healthy development.
| About The Author If you want to inspire more activity and "play" at home, you should consider buying some playground equipment for yourself. It doesn't take much to turn a section of your yard into a child's paradise and a source of exercising their mind, body, and emotions. To learn about available play equipment and PA swing sets, follow the link to http://www.SuperiorPlay.com.
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