The Benefits of Play for Children

Ask almost any child what they feel like doing and I'm sure they will answer 'play'. Running around, exerting energy and using their imaginations are amongst the favourite activities of most children. Providing them with a safe and stimulating area to play therefore becomes an essential part of running a nursery, a school, or even a household. Play areas can range from a big empty room with a few toys inside of it to a massive outdoor jungle gym.

Most exercises and lesson plans created for children are designed to stimulate them in either a mental of physical way. For instance, if a young child has access to a large room lined with mattresses and pillows there is a strong chance that their motor skills will develop faster than other children of the same age.

Some other benefits of play include:

1. Emotional and behavioural:

Play time can do a lot to develop children's behaviour as well as their emotions, including reducing fear, anxiety and stress, increasing resilience and adaptability and creating joy and self-esteem.

2. Social benefits:

Play time can increase empathy, compassion and sharing amongst children. Relationships become more about inclusion rather than exclusion, and feelings of acceptance are enhanced. When children play they have to fend for themselves. By that I mean if they want t a toy they need to ask for it, possibly wait their turn and then give it to the next person waiting. This teaches patience and fair play.

3. Cognitive benefits:

It is true that play time increases brain function efficiency.

4. Physical benefits:

Different activities help develop different skills in children. For example skipping improves balance, while monkey bars work on core strength. Building blocks help teach children about gravity and balance while developing their hand-eye coordination.

In addition, play time also builds strong learning foundations and healthy relationships.

But what about those children that aren't very interested in playing? Those who would prefer to sit by themselves, read books or do other activities which aren't physically stimulating in any way. The best way to get your child motivated is to lead by example. If you play with your children, take them on outings and sign them up for lots of lessons and sports teams, you're already well ahead of the game. By setting ground rules when they are young, such as no TV during the week and a certain amount of time dedicated to physical exercise, they are more likely to grow up with the desire to be active.


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Fabric Architecture Ltd has been specialising in the design,
engineering, manufacture and installation of tensile fabric structures
since 1984. Mistral structures are ideal for performance and play areas.
http://www.fabricarchitecture.com/signature-structures/mistral