Unlike a few decades ago, when parks and play areas were bursting with laughter, children nowadays spend more time playing video games and going online. It has been observed for years that playing outdoors is becoming “old school” and leveling up characters in a massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) or catching the latest on Facebook are more important to millennials.
Almost all species of animal on the planet play when they are young. Play serves as a simulation of the adult life and the role a young animal will take in the future. For instance, kittens play with other kittens or toys as if hunting prey. However, humans play not only to prepare for the future, but to develop almost all aspects of personality. Human children not only take on roles of their adult counterparts, they also immerse themselves in hypothetical situations. Try to observe your kids – doctors, firemen, and teachers are not the only roles children take, it is very evident every Halloween when Spiderman, Superman and Cinderella knock on your door trick-or-treating.
Play does not only develop a child’s personality, but also serves as an early introduction to the world and his/her career path. Doctors probably began their interest in health while taking care of their sick siblings or pets when they were young. Teachers started their careers even before going to school when they discovered the joy of sharing knowledge. Even leaders started as captains leading imaginary voyages around the park.
These experiences and decisions in life take root very early on in children’s experiences. A study made by Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg and the Committee on Communications, and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health shows that play is key to the effective development of a child’s emotional, physical, cognitive and social well-being. It is through play that children develop imagination and problem-solving skills while interacting with other children.
“As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges,” says Dr. Ginsburg in “The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds”.
Scenarios and situations experienced by your child when playing stay with them longer. The complexity of issues encountered by children on the playground, such as choosing the best leader, or resolving conflicts between friends, is vital to how they make decisions when they reach adulthood.
“Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills. When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue,” he added.
Morals, values and passion are also observed and absorbed by the children. Actual experiences are more easily remembered than lessons taught to them through words. Remember that your children will the future members of the society. Their childhood affects their future actions and their future contribution to society.
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Emily Harper is a busy housewife, and is also an active member of the neighborhood watch. She keeps her readers up to date with issues of sustainability and other home matters through writing. She lives with her husband, two sons and a cat named Theodore. To know more please check out her blog, SecurityOcean.Com.
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