What they dont see is that kids are buildingconfidenceandself-esteem, nurturing curiosity, and developing coordination and stamina.
They examined data from almost 1,700 children.
The information focused on the 3-year-olds peer play, temperaments, and family play.
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Researchers then looked at the mental health outcomes for these children at age 7.
By then, the child is able to interact back and forth fluidly.
I thought the study was very strong in choosing this age range, she adds.
Brain development, self-advocacy skills, and academic growth can all come from times of play.
The big message is peer relationships andfriendshipsare crucial to positive development, notes Alvord.
Play can also help them process emotions andreduce their stress levels.
Unstructured play evenimproves concentrationand helps kids strengthen their self-regulation.
Mary Alvord, PhD
The big message is peer relationships and friendships are crucial to positive development.
Buildingcoping skillsandresilience, as well as developing positive relationships, all involve engaging with others.
Those are fundamental skills and the building blocks of relationships which are crucial for mental wellness, Alvord states.
Findings like these make the case for recess and times of unstructured play even stronger.
Recess allows for unfettered play that gives social, emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits.
Setting up play dates with children of similar ages or suggesting games and activities can be a good start.
However, some learning activities are best developed with children outside of the family.
Family interactions can, however, help prepare children to engage kids their own ages.
The wonderful thing is that you might teach these concrete skills.
Some kids have a really hard time picking up social cues.
Especially the more nuanced and the more nonverbal.
So, it’s possible for you to teach it to them directly, adds Alvord.
How do you know if your child is having a hard time?
Taking time to observe them while playing is key.
Keep in mind that kids develop in different ways and in different stages.
The goal is not to stress out over the play activities of your child.
And as the study notes, play also benefits their mental health.
As parents, encourage your child to enjoy their time of play and creativity.
Allow them to develop those critical skills and have fun doing it.
Nidirect Government Services.How play helps children’s development.
2007;119(1):182-191. doi:10.1542/peds.2006-2697
Unicef.How play strengthens your child’s mental health.
Murray R, Ramstetter C, Devore C, et al.The crucial role of recess in school.Pediatrics.
2013;131(1):183-188. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-2993
