The importance of play
If you think back to your childhood, do you have fond memories of endless play? Building cubby houses, creating imaginary worlds, climbing trees? Creating, imagining and designing a little world that you could thrive in? I hope the answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” I hope you lost time because you were emerged in a world of magical fun.
As a parent, I now sit back and watch my little boy create this fantastical world for himself. I watch as his imagination and creativity soar and he problem-solves his construction. I watch as he plays with his friends and encourages them to join him on his quest for … goodness knows what?! And I hope this is something you sit back at and observe with your child too because what we now know from research is that play not only changes the connections in your brain, it has a powerful impact on your development.
The research.
Sergio Pellis, a researcher from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta stated that “the experience of play changes the connections of the neurons at the front end of your brain … and without play experience, those neurons aren’t changed”. What Pellis is referring to is that changes in the prefrontal cortex help facilitate the brain’s executive control centre. This centre has a critical role in problem-solving, planning and in regulating emotions. This type of brain development requires unstructured play or ‘open-ended play’. So, no rules, no umpires, no coaches, just play.
Researchers have even discovered that child-led, open play, where children were able to engage in pretend play, leads to an increase in cognitive, social, and self-regulatory skills. In one study they discovered that the best predictor of academic performance in Year 8 students was a child’s social skills in Year 3! It has even been documented that countries who have longer recesses have higher rates of academic performance compared to those countries with shorter recess periods.
It is clear from research that play promotes social, emotional and cognitive benefits and helps to create more resilient kids.
So, as parents, how can you encourage and establish positive play environments for your little ones?
How to encourage play
1 | Time
You can establish time periods for your children to be engaged in open-ended play that is child-led and child-centred. Try not to lead the play and let the interests and curiosity of your child be your guide.
2 | Environment
You can create an environment that promotes creativity and problem-solving through play. Turn off or put away any electronic devices and adopt a minimalist approach with toys (think max 4!). Research has shown that having fewer toys available results in healthier play and deeper cognitive development. You want to create a space where your child will be thoroughly invested in their play!
3 | Get outdoors
Time outdoors can be a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with nature. Taking the time to explore and question the wonders of our world encourages creativity and cognitive enhancement. More than this, it will help them learn to appreciate our beautiful world. During this exploration allow your child to take some risks; if we keep our children wrapped up in cotton wool, they won’t know what they are capable of and they may not develop the confidence and bravery to face life’s inevitable challenges. Remember that the lessons we learn from failure are just as important as the ones we learn from success.
Your little ones were born to play and through the beauty of play, children are given an opportunity to learn about the world they live in. More than this, open-ended play will only foster healthier development for your child. I urge you to take any opportunity you can to sit back, and observe your children in the magic world that they create.
