There are lots of different kinds of play. The National Institute of Play, classifies play into 7 unique categories:
Play fuels brain development, activating the regions responsible for language processing and attention; motor control, coordination, and balance; and goal setting, decision making, and organizing our thoughts and feelings. Unstructured free play fosters creativity and collaboration as children construct a world around them where they can practice the skills that they will need to tackle the challenges of today and the future. Regardless of age, during play, children develop greater confidence as they learn to navigate both the physical and the emotional world, and it is here that they practice managing their emotions, working with others, solving problems, and learning from failure. They learn the values of trust and fairness, compassion and cooperation.
Play can bond friendships and families, and can be used as a tool during challenging times to strengthen the attachment between parent and child, siblings, or friends. In his book, Playful Parenting, psychologist Lawrence J. Cohen explains the restorative power of play:
"Play can be the long-sought bridge back to that deep emotional bond between parent and child. Play, with all its exuberance and delighted togetherness, can ease the stress of parenting. Playful Parenting is a way to enter a child's world, on the child's terms, in order to foster closeness, confidence, and connection."
During play, children can learn to manage complex emotions; practice cooperating with others; work thorough shyness, fear or anger; problem solve and resolve conflict; and learn to advocate for themselves.
According to Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and co-author of The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds, a special report on play from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
“Kids deal with their anxiety and fears through free play. It’s their natural means of building resiliency.”
Humans, as well as other mammals, are hardwired for play. Just like eating and sleeping, play is instinctual. Play allows us to experiment in the world, learning from trial and error. It relieves stress and gives us a feeling of well-being. It helps us to connect with others and bond together. So, go play! Play with your children and your teens. Make space for them to play on their own. Allow them to explore and experiment in the world around them, to discover new things and find their passions, and most importantly, through play, to develop the confidence, resiliency, and adaptability that will last them a lifetime.
Follow these simple suggestions to encourage play in your family:
The Science of Play
Radiolab
Playing with Your Child: Games for Connection and Emotional Intelligence
Aha! Parenting
12 Board Games for Kids to Make Family Time Fun
Care.com
Best Games to Teach Kids Self-Regulation - an Age by Age Guide
Nurture & Thrive
The Magic of Play
Parenting
The Play Brochure from Pathways
Pathways.com
The Playful Parent: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence
by Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D.
In Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence, psychologist Lawrence J. Cohen points out, play is children’s way of exploring the world, communicating deep feelings, getting close to those they care about, working through stressful situations, and simply blowing off steam. That’s why “playful parenting” is so important and so successful in building strong, close bonds between parents and children.
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
by Stuart Brown
Backed by the latest research, Play (20,000 copies in print) explains why play is essential to our social skills, adaptability, intelligence, creativity, ability to problem solve and more. Particularly in tough times, we need to play more than ever, as it's the very means by which we prepare for the unexpected, search out new solutions, and remain optimistic. A fascinating blend of cutting-edge neuroscience, biology, psychology, social science, and inspiring human stories of the transformative power of play, this book proves why play just might be the most important work we can ever do.
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