6 Benefits of Playtime

  We're big on play-based learning over here at P is for Preschooler (it's even in our tag line - that makes it official!). But why is playtime such a crucial part of a child's development? This guest post from Holly Easterby discusses all the benefits kids gets from playtime - not to mention being fun!

    If there is one thing that children would love to do and would probably say they could do it the whole day, this would be playing. Parents, have you ever heard how playtime is your kid’s personal job? Now, some would probably say that this is crazy and that children need to learn how to be responsible at an early age. Playing most of the time may seem like an excuse to get away from house chores and studies. 

  But what if you were told that this has more than one benefit to child development?

Would you let your kid play as much as he can?

    Before you stop your kids from making a mess of the house because of their playtime activities, consider the other side of the story. Here are some of the benefits of playtime for your child:

• Builds intelligence. Playing is not merely an outlet to have some fun. It activates the brain, signaling your child to make use of logical reasoning. Just look at Legos for example. Building a house, car, or just about any type of figure requires the brain to think. Some kids would even go beyond the provided plans and would come up with their own creations. The same can also be said about battery operated toys. The simple task of switching it on or off requires your kid to think about its how’s and why’s. 
  
• Improves motor skills. Through play, smaller children will get to improve their eye and muscle coordination. Their small muscle movements become more precise, and could teach them to pick smaller items without any problems. Even the use of muscle groups other than the hands are developed. Studies also show that those who engaged in play activities tend to turn out as active adults later in life. 
  
• Allows room for social growth. This is all the more reason that you should allow your kids to play with the neighbors. When kids play, they get to make friends. Being with other kids could help improve their patience too. Some kids activities will have a set of rules, which will make them wait for their turn to play, work with other teammates, and do things repeatedly until they are able to perfect their moves.
• Reduces tension. Kids suffering from stress? Now this may seem unlikely, but yes, they could suffer from it too. Have you noticed how sometimes children cry over their sleep, get super cranky, have a loss of appetite and everything going on in between that they would not normally do? These are signs of stress. Playtime helps children get rid of it. 
  
• Fosters dreams. Kids, just like adults, have the potential to learn a certain skill. Playing pretend for example allows kids to picture their older selves. Someone who plays that teacher most of the time could one day make the best instructor at a top university. So if your kid likes to pick up a stethoscope and put on a white robe, or get a toy hammer and use this as a makeshift gavel while playing as a judge, you might as well get started on that educational fund now.
  
• Makes children independent. Being able to entertain one’s self through playing is a sign of independence. This means that your kid is no longer the needy baby that used to cry when mommy does not give him milk. 

   Now that you know how kids benefit from their playtime, you should also know some of the best fun games that you and your kids could do. Here are some ideas:

• Get physical. Physical activities for kids will not only make kids have healthier muscles, but these will also pump up their brains to think rapidly. Sports activities for example will constantly push you to think strategically to beat your opponent. Or just for the fun of it, playing pillow fights will let them have their dose endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, all of which are considered feel-good hormones.
  
• Get educational. Aside from physical activities, you could also encourage your child to engage in playful learning. For babies, simple puzzle toys could help them match shapes to corresponding slots. Small tots could be already be taught how to recognize colors, count, and memorize the alphabet with the use of educational toys. 

• Get artistic. You can also train your child to be an artist. Buy a coloring book for smaller tots or a drawing pad for bigger kids. Then let them choose their coloring or drawing tool. Crayons or colored pens for toddlers should do well with their coloring books. If your kids already have steady hands, then let them try their skills at holding a watercolor paint brush or blend colors with the use of oil pastel.
  
• Get musical. If you’re a musician by heart, you could make use of playtime as an excuse to teach your kid how to sing, tap on the keys of the piano, beat on the drums, or strum the guitar. Children who have music lessons are said to have better academic performance in school. A study conducted by the Rockefeller Foundation revealed that in medical schools, music majors recorded the highest admittance rate, surprisingly higher than biochemistry and humanities.
  
• Get crazy. Instead of traditional games, you can teach your kids to use their imagination to make some homemade toys. And their materials? Pretty much anything that is considered kid-friendly!

   Kids are not the only ones who can benefit from play. Adults too could have more to gain through these types of activities. Some of the advantages of play for adults include better memory function, relationships, emotional well-being, and the ability to stay and feel young. So when kids are in the house are playing, don’t stop them. Join in the fun and create wonderful memories together while you're at it!

Holly's love for children has seen her featured in many education and children websites, whether talking about healthy snacks, motivating students or children's fashion at Bonza Brats. Holly loves reading books, and shopping is her way of spending time with her young family. If you would like to catch her, you can via Google+ or Twitter.