Exploring the Importance of Play in Child Development and Emotional Well Being

In today's world, our children are often frequently provided with structured activity and/or technology. Summer and vacation schedules may be packed with different camps and organized activities. School programming has changed, often increasing the amount of structured coursework and homework and thereby reducing the time spent on creative endeavors, artistic expression and free play. While there are certainly benefits to some organized activity, it is equally important to understand that our children and their developing brains need unstructured, kid led playtime that is free of screens. This type of play is an essential component to their physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. There are various different ways to incorporate and encourage this type of activity for your children, and is encouraged for children of all ages. Basically, we need to let our kids get bored.

Benefits of Unstructured Playtime

Unstructured playtime offers children the opportunity to organically practice a variety of skills including problem solving and decision making and increasing a sense of autonomy and independence as they have to come up with a plan without direction from an adult or scheduled class curriculum. These spontaneous activities are often laced with the use of creativity and imagination. Free time also frequently leads to spontaneous social engagement whether it be asking a sibling or neighbor to play or approaching another child at the playground to join in a make believe game. These social interactions build important emotional and social skills such as empathy, teamwork, sharing, negotiation and compromise, conflict resolution, and a better understanding of different perspectives. Free play is a natural stress reliever for children. Allowing regular free play can help with emotional regulation, attention/focus, anxiety and sleep.

Types of Play that Support Development

1. Physical Play

Physical play, such as running, jumping, or climbing, helps children develop motor skills, coordination, and strength. Certain physical activities also encourage problem solving and planning. While structured sporting teams and classes allow for physical play, it is still different from unstructured physical play that may occur when at the park or playground or on a nature hike or at the beach. A team practice or class is also a different experience from kids reaching out to one another to play a pick up game of basketball or working together to invent a completely new "sport" to enjoy for the afternoon.

2. Pretend Play

During pretend play, children engage in make-believe scenarios, which stimulate their creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. Whether playing house or pretending to be superheroes, this type of play fosters imagination and empathy. You do not need a lot of supplies or equipment to encourage pretend play. Sure, a lot of costumes or different toys can be used, but children do not need all of this. You will find their brains are amazing at coming up with creative games even if all they have is a cardboard box. I encourage you to pack up the toys sometimes and let them get creative with their natural environment.

3. Constructive Play

Constructive play involves building and creating, whether with blocks, puzzles, or art materials. This type of play enhances children's spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and critical thinking abilities.

4. Social Play

Social play, such as group games or cooperative activities, helps children develop communication skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution strategies. It encourages socialization and emotional regulation.

Incorporating Play into Daily Routines

Being offered the opportunity to engage if a variety of different types of play is absolutely beneficial for our children, so what can we do to encourage it to happen day to day?

1. Designate Play Spaces

Set up designated play areas at home where children can engage in different types of play without distractions. This can be a corner with art supplies, a play kitchen, or a space for building blocks. Ensure that these areas a child proofed and age appropriate so that they can play safely without frequent adult interruption or redirection. Ideally, some of these spaces include time outdoors so children can interact with and explore nature while also getting a healthy dose of vitamin D (don't forget the sunscreen and good hat!)

2. Schedule Unstructured Playtime

Most families that I work with are very busy, so it can be helpful and necessary to schedule "unstructured time" during the day. Honestly, the majority of younger children and toddler play should be allowed to be unstructured whenever possible, but older children also benefit. We all need rest and time to decompress. Free play is how children do this, so build it into the day.

3. Join in the Fun

Try to join in sometimes, even if it's just for 5 or 10 minutes. Show interest by asking questions about what they are doing or participate in the game or help build the puzzle. Let them lead. Try to participate without offering advice or suggestions on how it could be done differently or what to do next. This not only strengthens your bond but also encourages imaginative play and creativity. This creative play is also good for your mental health, so embrace your inner child and join in.

4. Limit Screen Time

Ensure that screen time is balanced with physical play and hands-on activities. Encourage your child to engage in play that promotes movement, exploration, and social interaction. I know that screen time is a part of life these days for most families, and I understand that zero screen time is not realistic. However, use should be limited, even when it is considered more educational type screen time. And now you know that playtime is educational, so hopefully you feel more confident in turning off the educational programs and turning towards play.

In conclusion, play is not just a pastime for children but a fundamental building block of their development and emotional well-being. By understanding the importance of play, embracing different types of play, and incorporating play into daily routines, we can foster a nurturing environment that supports children in reaching their full potential. Have fun out there!

-Dr. Christina Piron

Board Certified Pediatrician

MamaDoc NJ