Encourage Your Child to Play!

Play supports brain development, physical activity as well as social emotional development.

Play is an excellent way for children to explore and understand the world around them. They get an opportunity to learn, take risks and experiment. This will encourage children to try new things in a less threatening environment, which in turn will encourage confidence, mastery and facing fears (Ginsburg, 2007).  

Through play children learn problem solving skills, negotiating, conflict management and decision making skills (Ginsburg, 2007). These skills will help their relationships with peers, increase independence and their ability to express their needs. By making decisions they will increase confidence and learn to trust their own judgement.

It is important that caregivers take a step back and allow the child to lead the play. This builds connection and can allow the caregiver to see the world through the child’s perspective.

Written by Madison Sikking, MACP

Ginsburg, K. R., & Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191.