The Importance of Play & A Simple Prescription

In our hurried lives, we often forget the importance of play for our children. What if a simple prescription could improve the health and well-being of your child? What if that prescription said, "Play with your kids every day"?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) renewed a report on the importance of play. This report included updated research and the benefits of play. Also, it outlined their recommended actions and the role of your pediatrician.

Firstly, that pediatricians defend free play by writing a "prescription for play." Children need free-play every day. Secondly, safeguard the purity of childhood by supporting imagination and creativity. Thirdly, advocate with educators to protect recess time, physical activity, and the importance of curious and playful learning. Finally, promote the importance of all types of play and the role of each in your child's development.

What is Play?

First, let's look at the characteristics of play. While difficult to characterize, general opinion defines play as fun, voluntary, and spontaneous. Play is a child-led activity that results in joyful discovery. It is about the process and not the end product. It involves taking risks, testing boundaries, and experimenting in a safe, nurturing environment.

Importance of Play

Pediatricians must emphasize the need for time spent playing with our kids. Especially relevant, at a time when the nation wants to steal our children's free playtime.

So many schools are eliminating art, music, physical education, and recess to focus on academics. This focus, coupled with increasing homework leaves little if any time for free play. More parents work outside of the home, requiring more enrichment programs and activities. Also, parents worry about unsafe neighborhoods and playgrounds. As a result, kids are spending more time indoors on their screens, taking away time from real play.

With these barriers and your child's demanding schedule, it is no wonder they have lost so many hours of play, weekly. What suffers from the loss of this time? First of all, your child's health from lack of physical activity. Their happiness from too much pressure. Also, their general well-being from not enough social interaction. Finally, their curiosity, imagination, and creativity decrease with adult-led academic activities.

Freely Chosen Play

Overcoming the barriers and supporting free play does not require expensive toys or activities. Things that are open-ended with multiple uses are best for creative, curious discovery.

For example, you can reinforce play and creativity with simple everyday items such as wooden building blocks, balls, or other household items. Choose toys that encourage your child's imagination like crayons, empty boxes, and dolls. Do you remember building a massive fort out of a few blankets, chairs, and pillows you found lying around the house?

Even more important is being present and spending time with your child listening, laughing, and playing. Remember, play not only benefits your child but you, too, will find joy and rejuvenation. Best of all, the time spent together builds a better relationship with your child.

Grab a set of wooden stacking blocks, get down on the floor, and spend time together, building a healthier and happier relationship.