Wellbeing Wednesday - The Power of Play!

When children are asked about what is important to them, playing and friends is usually top of their list.  When you ask your child what they did at school, they will likely put a lot of emphasis, if not all, on playtime!  It is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

Unfortunately, opportunities to engage in high quality play have been threatened by the current pandemic.  Children need play for social connection, to aid learning and to help them process a lot of complex emotions, especially during this time.  

 

Five ways play benefits children:

1. Play gives children a chance to find and develop a connection to their own self-identified and self-guided interests.

2. It is through play that children first learn how to make decisions, solve problems, exert self-control, and follow rules.

3. Children learn to handle their emotions, including anger and fear, during play.

4. Play helps children make friends and learn to get along with each other as equals.

5. Most importantly, play is a source of happiness.

 

Play isn’t just important for children; it has many benefits for adults too!  While play is crucial for a child’s development, it is also beneficial for people of all ages. Play can add joy to life, relieve stress, supercharge learning, and connect you to others and the world around you. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable! 

https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/the-best-family-games-to-play-at-home/

 

If you haven’t already come across her, Dr Kathy Weston has a wealth of interesting content on wellbeing in children and adults and her current newsletter has information on the magic of play.  Well worth a read! 

https://www.drkathyweston.com/