Why it is so important for children to ‘play’

The importance of Children Playing.

In a world where bicycles have been swapped for x-boxes and dolls have now become virtual. It’s difficult for children to make true connections with others when they are staring into a screen. Most of us know that technology has developed into something that we ourselves are struggling to keep up with, now imagine how much more technology is going to develop before children reach the age of 30.

Amongst everything that is happening with technology today, it seems like our children are being the ones most lost in it. Children going from playing tag to posing for photos on Instagram, from bringing marbles to school to bringing the latest iPad, from pretending to play ‘cops and robbers’ to actually becoming the ‘robber’ on Grand Theft Auto. Our children are becoming mindless individuals behind a screen!

1. Helps them make friends: There is nothing better to see children laughing with one another, pretending to be kings and queens of the castle.
2. Help increase imagination: Remember all the things that you use to come up with as a kid? How do you think that was possible? I can tell you that it’s not possible by staring into a screen.
3. Helps with problem solving: Leggo is a definite a must for children. Trying to make sure all the pieces fit together to build something helps children try different solutions about how to get there.
4. Gives children space: We all have bad days, even children, it is very important for children to have their own space to be able to go and “cool off” or “let off some steam”. Having a designated play area will help children be able to retreat to their own space when they need to.
5. It brings parents and children together: In this world where everything is so work orientated, children and adults alike need some play! Spending time with your child playing is something that won’t last forever.

I have completed my degree in Social Science and have had the pleasure of being able to counsel both children, teens and adults alike. When counseling children, the first thing we do is try and get their side of the “story” through play therapy. Just by seeing what toys they use and how they interact with the toys we can decide how we are going to try and help. Because of this, we can see how playing with toys can be so expressive, thus helping not only professionals but also parents to monitor their children’s emotions.

So, to all the parents out there who quickly put their children in front of a screen to keep them occupied it might be time to swap those screens out for a toy. Although there is always time for different things and trust me there is time for technology, however becoming too dependent on it might become an issue for both children and parents. Enjoy the time that you have with your children because one day when they are older you are going to wish you spent time playing hide and seek with them.

Always remember to play!