Taking Play Time Seriously

Children learn through play. In fact, it’s one of the most important activities they can engage in during their younger years.

This week, we’ll look at how you can enhance your child’s play time with these tips from psychotherapist and writer Andrew Loewen Nair.

1. Let them pick 1-2 activities at a time

If your kid has multiple interests, let them pick one or two they can pursue seriously, such as piano or swimming during the wintry months and soccer in the summer.

2. Keep things casual

If your child has already chosen their activities for the season, but want to add another, look for something informal. “Maybe she can arrange a neighborhood soccer game with her friends instead of joining a league,” writes Nair.

3. Keep screen time at a minimum

The American Pediatric Association recommends that kids under age two should have no screen time (mobile devices, TV, computers, video games). It might even be better to wait until age four to give them frequent screen access. Flashing lights and bright screens and colors can tamp down the desire for free play.

4. Let them discover different environments

Let your child explore unfamiliar places: the woods near your house, a nearby river, a friend’s backyard. But let them explore on their own – under your watchful eye – without you directing the play.

“Make sure the play space is safe for your child, and then back away,” Nair writes. “Keep your eye on your child, and be available if he or she needs you, but give them the space to push their own safety boundary. Don’t deprive them of the important learning that happens from making mistakes.”

5. They should get to pick what they play with

You don’t need to entertain your kids. Provide them with modest toys – crayons and paper, pots and pans, building blocks – and let their instinct to play and explore kick in. It will happen when they have the right amount of time and space to become curious.

Assuming you do all this, what are the benefits of giving your kids time to play?

• Better behavior – Kids who get 15 minutes to unwind during recess come back to the classroom happier and ready to learn.
• Better examples – Play time spent with other kids can teach them how to work with a team, and how to lead or follow.
• Social skills – When your kids play with others, they learn to empathize, negotiate and adjust their behavior.
• Good exercise habits – Active kids grow into active adults. Kids who enjoy playing outdoors are most likely to continue to be active as they get older.
• A stronger imagination – Free play lets kids make up their own games, which in turn strengthens their creative skills.
• Physical development – Play can be demanding work. Climbing monkey bars builds upper body strength, playing sports can make them more flexible, and building blocks challenge their hand/eye coordination.
• Stress relief – Childhood can be a stressful time, and skipping playtime robs kids of a chance to relieve their feelings of stress and anxiety.

If you’re looking for ways to get your kids outside, a maintenance free swing set will keep them active and busy.

Swing Set & Toy Warehouse can help. Our maintenance free swing sets include cedar, redwood and vinyl models. Visit us online or at one of our four New Jersey locations to find a swing set that’s right for your kids.