Many families today are single child families, unlike earlier times, when families were mostly larger and siblings ranged from teenagers to young tots. There are definite pluses in having smaller families, for kids can have more resources, and time from their parents and caretakers. But, there is the loss of warmth and bustle of large families, which can act as safety nets in times of crises. Most importantly the biggest plus of a large family is this - kids grow up with siblings who double up as playmates. Therefore as the size of the family shrinks, the importance of play cannot be overemphasized.
Importance of Play
Play is a basic human right according to the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights. In spite of understanding this important aspect of development in children, the time and opportunity for explorative play, available for modern day children is shrinking. This leads to higher levels of anxiety and stress among children.
What we think of as play is actually how our babies are learning. With their creativity flourishing, they along with their playmates and adult caregivers, learn to create worlds, where they learn to overcome their fears and develop their understanding. They learn to recognize faces, voices, things, feeling and communicate back. With physical play, their bodies grow tall and strong, creating a good space for their intellectual development. This in turn happens via play which stimulates the brain. Play at home, on playdates, at the park or while holidaying - never underestimate it's value.
Playing with Parents
A child's first playmate is the primary caregiver, which is invariably a mother. A child traditionally accompanied the mother wherever she went, or the child stayed behind with some other responsible adult. Children like being spoken to and playing with their parents. Even though it might seem one sided, when they are too young to speak, it's a fact that they are listening, which is how they actually learn to speak. In fact a mother's voice can actually calm a distressed baby. They learn to recognize tones and looks and react accordingly. All this learning is only through play.
Playing with other Kids
A child's first playmate is the primary caregiver, which is invariably a mother. A child traditionally accompanied the mother wherever she went, or the child stayed behind with some other responsible adult. Children like being spoken to and playing with their parents. Even though it might seem one sided, when they are too young to speak, it's a fact that they are listening, which is how they actually learn to speak. In fact a mother's voice can actually calm a distressed baby. They learn to recognize tones and looks and react accordingly. All this learning is only through play.
Playing with other Kids
Play can be joyful, and when play happens with friends, the joy is boundless. As kids grow, they need to play with other kids. This teaches them cooperation, sharing and empathy. Children must play with other children, to learn and understand peer behavior. This will help them build friendships, bond and learn to negotiate the world they live in. Over the years when children grow into adults and go on to take our place in the world, most of their learning happens through play without their even realizing that they are learning.
Playing in Nature
Nature is a great teacher. Spending time in nature and spending time with fellow creatures, helps kids understand the importance of interdependence in Nature. Pet games on digital devices are great, but nothing can beat the rough lick of a dog, or the warm furry body of a kitten curled up in your lap. Parents must inculcate the habit of playing outside, enjoying a trek, observing nature and the appreciation of beauty and balance in nature.
To conclude, play is important for the well rounded development of a child. As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our kids have safe spaces and opportunities to play.
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