Ever since the dawn of time, people have been playing. No matter what the game, whether it be soccer, tennis, or even badminton, we are all hardwired to want to play a sport. Nowadays, people mainly play sports in the form of organized and competitive games like basketball or football and such for recreation. But still, parents need help finding quality time for their kids because so many other activities are available, like online gaming and watching television.
We all know that physical activity benefits many people, such as those with heart conditions and diabetes, but what about children? Physical play is recognized internationally as an essential activity in the development of the young. According to The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, physical activity is an integral part of growth and development in children because it provides a foundation for healthy activity habits. So let’s look at why playing physically with your children is a positive development for them now and later on.
Development
Physical play helps young minds develop reasoning, self-control, balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. It also encourages them to explore their surroundings and examine how they can use their body to interact with the world around them. Also, physical play allows self-expression and helps toddlers build up confidence.
Confidence
Confidence is crucial in a child’s life because it allows them to move forward and take on new challenges without fear of failure. Physical play will enable children to feel confident while practicing their motor skills and interacting with other children. The most important aspect of building confidence is the parent’s attitude toward playing with their child because the parent’s perspective expresses that it’s okay for the child to experiment physically and interact with others.
Learning
Interacting with others is vital because it allows children to learn from peers. For example, if the child is learning how to run, older children can help them learn how to run fast enough to cross the finish line before their friends. But if the older children don’t show them, it forces them to discover this on their own and thus build up experience and self-confidence through exploration and learning.
Capability
Also, physical play shows toddlers what they are capable of doing. They can see that they can run faster than they could yesterday or jump higher than last week when playing a game of musical chairs or tagging with friends. These exercises in coordination and timing are essential for how a toddler learns to think, solve problems, make decisions, and mark progress. It also helps them develop the fine motor skills needed to learn pencil control or write letters.
Social Skills
In addition, physical play helps develop social skills in children as they practice interacting with others. For example, children learning to share toys or play in a group while under a parent’s leadership encourages them to practice social skills such as being cooperative and respectful. These activities also allow children to interact with other children with different interests and abilities, so they won’t feel left out if they don’t have the same strengths as their friends.
Set a Good Example while Playing
Parents have to set an example by being active. This includes having games and activities prepared for the children. It is also important to remember that children are not mini-adults because they interpret things differently than adults do, so it’s essential to be patient and allow them time to develop their skills. Playing physically is a great way for parents and children to interact with one another while getting some exercise in at the same time.
Final Words
Physical play has demonstrated that it has benefits for children of all ages. It allows them to express themselves physically and interact with others. This in turn helps the child learn important skills that they will use during their development. Recreation, exploration, and self-discovery also help them develop into more well rounded individuals with a greater array of skills.
