Play is Power | Unlocking Child Development: The Essential Role of Play in Learning and Growth

In a world of screens, traditional play—full of physical activity and creativity—is still essential for child development. Far from just being distractions, games are tools that help with cognitive, social and emotional development. This article explores the power of play and gives you practical tips to fit in playtime into your daily life.

The Importance of Play in Child Development

Cognitive Skills

Games are not just fun; they’re basic for brain development. Dr Laura Markham, clinical psychologist and author of Aha! Parenting, says activities as simple as counting or pattern recognition lay the foundation for maths and logic skills from a young age. For older children complex games that require strategic thinking and problem solving are especially helpful.

Social Skills

Playing group games helps children develop important social skills like sharing, taking turns and negotiating. Dr Daniel Siegel, clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine, says these activities help children develop empathy and emotional intelligence – the building blocks of healthy, long term relationships.

Emotional Intelligence

Dr Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of “The Whole-Brain Child” says play is a safe space for children to try out different roles and scenarios, so they can develop the skills for life. Through play children can express their emotions and process their experiences and become more emotionally resilient.

Fitting in Play into Daily Life

You don’t need constant entertainment or expensive toys to fit in play. Imagination and everyday objects can be developmental tools. Here’s how:

• Use What You Have: Turn everyday objects like spoons into drumsticks or boxes into forts. Dr Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College, says unstructured play with everyday objects is a catalyst for creativity and problem solving.

• Schedule Play Time: Although spontaneous play is great, scheduling play time ensures it doesn’t get overlooked in busy lives. This doesn’t mean rigid planning but rather committing to putting everything else aside for play.

• Play with Your Child: Dr Lawrence J Cohen, author of Playful Parenting, says parents playing with their children can strengthen the parent child bond and make the learning experience richer as children often imitate and learn from adult behaviour.

• Choose the Right Game: Choose games that challenge but are suitable for your child’s age. Dr Stuart Brown from the National Institute for Play says choose games that match your child’s “play personality” and help them achieve new developmental milestones.

  
  

Play is a fundamental part of childhood, not just for academic success – it’s the foundation for emotional and social development for a whole and happy life. Encouraging different types of play can make a big difference to your child’s growth and development and teach them things that can’t be learned from a textbook. So switch off the gadgets now and then and play for real – your child’s future may depend on it.

Remember it’s not about perfecting your child but empowering them to be the best version of themselves through play. Browse our games and puzzles for every age and stage and help your child start their journey of fun and learning.

Ready to take playtime to the next level? Check out our eBook, 'Play & Learn Together: 50 Engaging Games for Family Fun and Education.' It's packed with creative and engaging games that make learning fun and meaningful.

Perfect for parents and educators looking to empower children through play.

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