Playtime is a time for children to use their imagination and have loads of fun. These moments will become memories that children will surely look back on and cherish. However, for many parents, playtime can become frustrating when children resist attempts at ending playtime or refuse to clean up after playing. If you relate to this as a parent, you would be surprised to find that playtime has a myriad of benefits. Read on to find out what they are.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAYTIME
Children could pick up cognitive skills like solving simple sums when they play-pretend “grocery store” and develop agility and stamina when running in playgrounds. Their vocabulary improves when exposed to new environments, for example, if they played with toy dinosaurs. Furthermore, they can even pick up social skills when making friends with other kids around the block or when they are invited to playdates.
PLAY PROMOTES HEALTHY GROWTH
As mentioned, when children run and scramble about playgrounds, climbing things and sliding down slides, they are kept physically active. This can help promote healthy growth and fight obesity, a health issue that many American children face today.
LOWERS STRESS LEVELS
The emotional needs of a child are met when they can express themselves during playtime. Playtime gives children a much-needed outlet for anxiety and stress.
PLAYING INDOORS IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS PLAYING OUTDOORS
If you don’t live in a neighborhood where playgrounds are abundant or there just aren’t many kids for your child to interact with, you can play with your own children! There is nothing more heartwarming than spending time with your little bundle joy, racing cars up and down a track or putting on fashion shows with dolls. Toys are an essential part of anyone’s childhood. You could definitely also leave your child to their own devices with their own toys as we all know how a child’s imagination has no bounds.
OPPOSED TO ELECTRICAL GADGETS
Some parents might ask, “Well, why don’t I get little Timothy an iPad? That’ll keep him occupied for hours!” While this seems like an easy way out, exposing children to electrical gadgets and social media at a young age can interfere with their mental development. Left to their own devices, they could be exposed to violent or sexual images, which could impede their growth and is generally not very healthy for children of an impressionable age. Electrical gadgets could also spoil their eyesight.
IMPORTANCE OF SCHEDULING PLAY
Be sure to schedule playtime for your child, be it for a few hours every day. Having a fixed schedule ensures that the children do not miss out on time to play and time to do schoolwork.
Looking for toys for your children? Look no further than KidPowered, the one-stop shop for all your toy needs! Feel free to contact us for more information.