Free Play in Children Is Important...
How Important Is Free Play?
According to research, very! The
childhood obesity epidemic is telling us something; but also, children's
cognitive, social, psychological and emotional development are all said to be
affected by free play (or the lack of it). Play is also an opportunity for
parents to engage with their children without interruption. (This can be really
fun for adults!)
The American Academy of
Pediatrics put out a recent report about the importance of play in children's
development. Here are some of the ways children benefit from free play:
* Creativity is employed as
children imagine scenarios and act out as characters. This prepares them for
adult scenarios, much the same way that baby animals' play is actually
preparation for adulthood.
* Children learn about their
strengths and abilities during free play, which may boost confidence. They
discover areas of interest and things they care about.
* Playing is an effective way for
children to learn how to work together in groups, to give and take, and to
resolve conflicts. Free play also encourages decision making, an essential life
skill.
How Can Parents Implement More
Free Play in Their Kids' Lives?
Parents can help their kids be
free from the hurried, hyper-scheduled lifestyle that is so prevalent today.
Here are some ideas on how to do that.
* Give your kids "real"
toys, like wooden blocks and dolls that are not patterned after a preconceived
character. Doll houses, cars, trucks, stuffed animals, and other toys that
encourage imagination help toward encouraging free play.
* Parents may want to rethink
their ideas of "success" for their children. Academic preparedness
and performance and excelling in multiple areas are not the only measures of
success, the AAP reminds us. Creativity, philosophical intelligence,
imagination, negotiation, and artistic integrity are also measures of success
and character.
* Let your kids play outside
without an agenda. Sometimes, it takes an agenda to get them out there - say,
collecting leaves or something - but once outside, try to pry yourselves loose
from an agenda and just enjoy playing.
* Invite other kids to play, too.
Although "play dates" are scheduled, it's non-scheduled time you're
scheduling in! Arrange to meet at a park, at one another's house, or other area
where free play can take place.
Article by: Clem C. Benton, Jr.
http://www.12path.com/d/y/