The Importance of Play for Social-Emotional Learning, Emotional Intelligence, Family, and Healthy Development
Play is essential for social-emotional learning. It's how kids learn and grow their emotional intelligence, and it can also have a ton of benefits for families and healthy development.
What is play?
Play is any activity that is enjoyable and engaging. It can be structured or unstructured, and it can involve physical activity or not. There are many different types of play, including:
A girl and boy sparring
A boy holding up a lego minifig.
Benefits of play for kids:
A young child putting together legos | 👉 Grab a LEGO Classic Brickbox at: https://amzn.to/457IoaD | 📷 Image by @kellysikkema
Play has a ton of benefits for kids' social-emotional learning, including:
Developing problem-solving skills: Play helps kids develop their problem-solving skills, creativity, and imagination. For example, when kids play make-believe, they have to use their imagination to come up with new ideas and solutions. (Ginsburg, 2007)
Building motor skills: Play helps kids develop their motor skills, coordination, and balance. For example, when kids climb on playground equipment, they are strengthening their muscles and improving their coordination. (Nidirect, 2022)
Learning social skills: Play helps kids develop their social skills, empathy, and self-regulation. For example, when kids play with others, they learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate. (Bright Horizons, 2022)
Improving emotional wellness: Play helps kids develop their emotional wellness by teaching them how to manage their emotions, express themselves, and build relationships. (HelpGuide, 2022)
Benefits of play for families:
A family gathered in a circle holding up a rainbow parachute. | 👉 Grab a vibrant, rainbow parachute at Amazon: https://amzn.to/46VuSbs | 📷 Image by @artem_kniaz
Play can also have a ton of benefits for families, including:
Strengthening bonds: Play can help families strengthen their bonds by providing opportunities for them to connect with each other and have fun together. (Ginsburg, 2007)
Learning about each other: Play can help families learn about each other's interests and strengths. (Nidirect, 2022)
Building trust: Play can help families build trust by creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. (Bright Horizons, 2022)
Conclusion:
A young girl with eyes closed smiling wide | 📷 Image by @miekelauren
Play is an important part of healthy development, and it can provide many benefits for both kids and families. It's important to make time for play throughout your life, and there are many different ways to do so. Whether you enjoy playing sports, taking a walk in nature, or spending time with friends and family, there is a type of play that is right for you.
So go out there and play!
Sources:
Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy development and learning. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191.
Nidirect. (2022, January 12). How play helps children's development. Retrieved from https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-play-helps-childrens-development
Bright Horizons. (2022, January 12). The benefits of play for a child's development. Retrieved from https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/Article/benefits-play-child-development
HelpGuide.org. (2022, January 12). The benefits of play for adults. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm
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