Play is hugely important for the development of our
children because it promotes their cognitive, physical, social and emotional
well-being. In fact, it’s one of the
biggest ways they learn and develop. What’s more, playtime is a great
opportunity for parents to bond and engage with their little ones. I have
teamed up with a nursery and prep
school in Somerset to explore the benefits of play time in more detail.
When our children are young, it’s important that
learning is fun for them. It should involve experimentation and exploration. Each
child is unique; they grow and develop in their own way and at their own speed.
With that in mind, you should never compare your own child to another but
instead, help them explore different types of play.
Physical play, like ball games or dance, helps them
develop their strength, coordination, and flexibility. Alternatively, doing a
jigsaw or playing with building blocks will help your child identify shapes and
develop logic. Dressing up or playing with dolls allows children to develop their
imagination as they create and explore new worlds.
Generally speaking, play allows children to learn
useful skills that they can carry with them throughout all aspects of their
lives, including independence, curiosity, resilience, confidence and so on. As
a parent, it’s your job to encourage your child to play and explore different environments, both inside and outside.
