Child's Play and Why You Should Play With Your Child

Play is the key way children learn-about themselves and their world. Through a wide variety of play experiences, they learn important information about their bodies and how they function. They use their five senses to discover new textures and tastes, scents and sounds, faces and places. Children gain valuable practice in sharing, compromise, and cooperation through interactive play. Just as parents have a "job" they must do, play is the "work" of childhood. It fuels the developmental process of growing.

Parents also "play" a valuable role in this "work." Putting aside your own priorities and focusing solely on playing with your child sends him vital life messages. To a child, time with you equals love. Focusing your attention and being directly involved in an activity with him says, without words: "I care." "You are special." "I value you." "You are worth my time and attention." These messages help to form the core of a child's self-esteem.

Other reasons to play with your child:

• Playing with your child can boost your child's chances of succeeding in school.
• Playing can enhance your child's vocabulary and IQ.
• Playing can boost your child's emotional IQ.
• Playing can improve a child's motivation and lead to a greater performance in school.
• Playing with your child can connect you emotionally.
• Playing can make life less stressful.
• Playing can help put learning into context. 

Resources:
Will You Play With Me?

Eight Reasons You Should Play With Your Child