When was the last time you played for the simple and pure pleasure of it? Playing is good for us on so many levels. This is the case for children and for adults.
Play helps adults to:
develop our creative and critical thinking
relieve stress
solve problems
relax
feel more energetic
boost productivity
build emotional wellbeing
improve our memory
support the growth of brain cells
feel more joyful
improve relationships
improve social skills
improves lung function
release feel-good hormones
reduce depression
In children, play helps to:
Develop social skills
Develop cognition
Develop gross and fine motor skills and build physical capacity
Stimulate imagination
Learn to collaborate with others
Relieve stress
Develop language and vocabulary skills
Develop emotional intelligence
Develop empathy
One person’s trash is another’s treasure. The same could be said of play. What feels playful to one person could feel tortuous to another. It is important to try new things and keep an open mind in order to find the things that are fun for you and your child(ren).
How can we play more?
Play with your children
Have games nights out (e.g.: bowling) or in (e.g.: board games)
Park based activities: kick a ball, fly a kite, throw a frisbee
Join a team: tennis, baseball, etc.
Keep Jenga on the coffee table
Try something new: stand up comedy, drama group, open mic nights
Get a joke book
Take 5 minutes to simply daydream
Keep a spinning top beside your computer
Learn some magic tricks
Play with your dog
Take up a new hobby, sport or craft
Try reengaging with the things that brought you joy as a child
Put on music and sing and dance
Complete puzzles
Have a doodle pad and pencils to hand
How to play with your children:
Set a time frame
Follow your child’s lead
Give your undivided attention
Get onto your child’s level
Make space for repetition
Allow them space to try things in their own way