Five benefits of Play with Children

Play is the highest form of research!

genius Albert Einstein gives playtime the green light.   

There is a power in playtime that perhaps has been previously overlooked.  It may look like leisure time, but when children are building dens, fighting imaginary monsters or playing house, they’re actually developing important life skills — and preparing their brains for the challenges of adulthood.  With new research coming to light about the benefits of play, let’s take a closer look at how carving out daily playtime can be invaluable in your child’s development.

Improves cognitive abilities

Play is important for healthy brain development.  It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.  Play allows children to build and explore a world they can master.  Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts and to learn self-advocacy skills

Improves communication and social skills

Play teaches children to take turns and interact with their fellow playmates. Research shows that both free play and adult-guided play can help young children learn awareness of other people’s feelings.  Play helps children develop new capabilities that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to tackle future obstacles. 

Increases creativity

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination.  When play is allowed to be child driven, children are able to practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they enjoy.  Through creativity children are able to express themselves authentically and without fear of judgement.

Helps children to express emotions

Playing also teaches children to regulate their own emotions, a skill that serves them well as they move through life.  Creative play can help children express and cope with their feelings and help adults to learn more about what the child may be thinking or feeling.  Play also helps relieve stress and pressure for children. They can just be themselves.  Creativity also nurtures mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, and new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Develops physical skills

Tree-climbing, hop scotch and even dress-up gets children moving much more than a television or computer game could. It is suggested that children over the age of two should engage in at least an hour a day of moderate, enjoyable physical activity.  In contrast to passive entertainment, play builds active, healthy bodies.  In fact, it has been suggested that encouraging unstructured play may be a great way to increase physical activity levels in children

Perhaps above all, playtime is where the fondest of childhood memories are formed.  It’s vital that children are given the freedom to let their imaginations run wild and have plenty of fun in the process.  As a parent, playtime allows you to marvel at the depth of your child’s creativity and curiosity.  As Joseph Chilton Pearce once said “Play is the royal road to childhood happiness and adult brilliance”, and at Great British Nannies we couldn’t agree more.   

Happy playtime!