To play is to learn. There is extensive research that shows how critical play is to a child’s development and well being. When an adult participates in a child’s play that play becomes even more meaningful. Did you know that children under the age of 5 learn best from one on one play with an adult? You are your child’s most valuable teacher and playmate.
A new report from the AmericanAcademyof Pediatrics says, free and unstructured play is essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them learn how to manage stress. (www.aap.org/pressroom/playfinal.pdf)
As a play therapist and child development specialist I come across many children who do not know how to play. You may be thinking, “how can that be, children know how to play naturally”. Unfortunately due to TV watching, video game playing, toys with little play value, and overscheduled lives many children no longer play effectively. I often see “scattered play”. Scattered play is when children spend 5-10 minutes on one play item than move to the next item without starting or finishing any type of play sequence. A child learns from their play when they are able to spend more than 20 minutes in one play sequence. A play sequence has a beginning, middle and end. It is like watching a story unfold, with characters, usually a problem or dilemma to solve, and an ending. When children play they are practicing problem solving and coping skills, trying on new identities, mastering difficult emotions, trying to understand the world and relieving stress.
What can you do??
1) Provide ample opportunities for unscheduled, independent, child-directed play. This is the type of play that happens at home, on the playground, or in an organized but unscheduled playgroup.
2) Provide your child access to “true toys” such as blocks, puzzles, dolls, action figures, basically toys that spark the imagination. Remember to have art materials on hand such as paints, crayons, scissors, glue and lots of large paper.
3) Share unscheduled spontaneous play time with your children, a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Allow your child to lead and direct the play. Think of it as a movie and your child is the director; they need to do the work, not you. At home designate a room as the playroom, try not to over load it with toys, this can contribute to scattered play. Instead rotate the toys bi-weekly or monthly.
Most importantly let the dishes and housework sit for 30 minutes and play with your child. You will have a great time together, develop a new understanding of who your child is and will nurture your feelings of closeness. You are your child’s most valuable teacher.
You can discover more about the Power of Play during our workshop on Monday October 24 9:30-11:30, and children are always welcome!
