Findings have shown that restricting kids from playing can affect them psychologically. Actually, you should allow them more free play and here are reasons why.
1. Free play helps kids build life skills
Children are playful by nature, so they don’t need a lot to get their imaginations going. Something as simple as a piece of fabric can lead to the invention of role-playing games that support psychological development. By learning to listen, take turns and share ideas, kids in free play are doing more than just pretending to be wizards or astronauts. Rather, they are experimenting with putting themselves in others’ shoes, thereby developing empathy and personal awareness that will serve them into their grown-up years. The experience can enrich their understanding of both the world and who they are.
Even parents who find their kids neglecting school work to mess around with games and toys should feel reassured. According to Ken Gardner, a psychologist and co-director of the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute in Calgary, research increasingly shows that richer play opportunities go hand in hand with literary development. “By Grade 3, the ability to play is a better predictor of future academic success than current academic success is,” he says.
2. Free play helps kids tap into emotions
Play can have mental-health benefits, too. At Rocky Mountain, therapists use play to help children work out problems and heal from trauma. Kids who might have trouble communicating their experiences with words can employ toys, art supplies, music and movement to express themselves instead. While most of what kids do is based in language, play helps them communicate in other ways.
“Through play, children can better understand and regulate their emotions,” Gardner says. “It is used in a self-healing way. Those who act out experiences gain a sense of control of their lives.”
3. Free play builds healthy relationships
There’s value in ensuring kids have their own time to explore, but when caregivers are involved, the experience is even more powerful. Playing together makes children feel special and promotes bonding and communication.
Grown-ups should resist the urge to turn playtime into a school lesson, Gardner warns. “Instead, follow the child so you can be attuned and sensitive to [their needs] and strengthen your relationship.”
