Prioritising play

Dr Rene Novak from BestStart Educare shares why play is so important for children's development. 

In today's world, it's easy to overlook play. Not only can unstructured playtime get lost amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, but western society doesn't always place importance on play which is a significant evolutionary developmental function. As a result we are seeing decreased opportunities for children to engage in this critical activity, with research showing a direct link with declining mental health in children.

Playing is something all mammals naturally do as they grow. However, play is particularly important for helping children’s brains and bodies develop properly as humans are born at an earlier stage of neuronal development with much of our brain development directly influenced by our physical and social environment. From the earliest days of infancy, playtime sparks connections in a child’s brain, helping them learn and grow. Hormones released into the brain during play promote brain cell development and growth, and build connections between synapses.

Play has been shown to nurture children’s emotional well-being too. It provides children with the tools to feel, express themselves, and learn to navigate and regulate their emotions as they begin to understand the world around them better. When children are a little older, activities such as pretend play and being creative impact a range of cognitive and emotive processes simultaneously, indicating the complexity and interconnected nature of playtime learning; ultimately children are learning critical life skills.

Play also has an important role in physical development. Children have a natural need to move which is best catered for through play as it positively impacts their physical development through evolutionary mechanisms. When kids run, jump, and explore during playtime, they're not just burning off energy – thinking, feeling and moving are all closely connected within the brain.

In a world that's often focused on schedules, prioritising play is a way that all parents can support their children’s development. Having fun with your child in unstructured play provides time to imagine, explore, and create while also giving your baby or child the tools they will need to thrive in life. While we are never too old to play, in the world of children, playtime isn't just a pastime – it's a necessity.

best-start.org