Play is the way!
Do you consider yourself to be a playful person? Play was actually the thing that came the least naturally to me as a new parent! I have an inherent nurturing and warm nature so that part was way easier! But getting super silly…well that took some work.
Why is play important? For one, it’s the natural language of children, the essence of childhood magic and vital for our children’s emotional health! Our babes are basically born to play! All we have to do is recognize it, encourage it and trust. Through play, little ones naturally develop physical and cognitive skills, stretch their imaginations, flex creative muscles, build resiliency and a strong sense of self.
On the heels of launching our brand new Ooey Gooey Play Party program (click here to learn all about it!) let’s chat about the benefits of PLAY for our children and also how we can use play in our parenting.
Play can easily be overlooked. The modern day parent is busier than ever - desperately seeking a work/life balance or trying to find a moment for ourselves why staying home with our kids full time, faces deep in the internet or on Instagram trying to keep up with the latest parenting trends among all the other responsibilities and demands of raising children. I’d love to encourage you to put the list down for a moment or two, learn about why play is so valuable and then…PLAY.
Play Builds Emotional Intelligence.
Emotions play a significant role in a child's life, and play provides a safe space for them to explore and express their feelings. Whether it's through role-playing, puppet shows, or engaging in cooperative games, our kiddos learn to identify and regulate their emotions. Play allows them to develop empathy, understand different perspectives, and improve their social skills.
Play Encourages Confidence and Independence
When children engage in play, they make choices, take risks, and exercise their autonomy. Whether it's playing independently or with peers, they learn to trust their abilities, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. Play provides a platform for children to experiment, fail, and try again, fostering resilience and building self-confidence.
Play Strengthens the Parent-Child Bond
Play provides a unique opportunity for parents to connect and bond with their children. Engaging in play together allows parents to enter their child's world, promoting a sense of closeness and understanding. It creates an environment of shared experiences and “laughter is the shortest distance between two people” (Victor Borge). It fosters a strong emotional connection between parent and child and a shared joy that can deepen the relationship and build trust and mutual respect.
Two of my top Playful Parenting tips:
Find what it is that brings your child to hysterical laughter and repeat it. Sometimes your child might even naturally lead you here with “do that again” or “more”! Laughter releases tension, dissolves fear, builds connection. (Please note: This should not be “forced laughter” which is often what tickling leads to. The challenge with tickling is that their laughter is not freely chosen. They are at the mercy of the adult and often can’t say when they want to the tickling to stop. So many adults will say they hated being tickled as a kid. Some kids do truly love to be tickled! If your child is asking (maybe even begging) for it, that’s another story!)
Let your child take the more powerful position in your playful interactions. Let them take YOU down in a pillow fight. Let them chase YOU around the house and pretend like you are nervous they might catch you! Roughhousing (play wrestling, pillow fights, throwing all the couch cushions on the floor and climbing all over them together) has countless benefits. It helps our little ones use great energy on the outside and soften on the inside. It may seem counterintuitive, but if you’re struggling to get your toddler to wind down before bed and do your best to keep things very calm and mellow to help, try flipping the script and factor in some roughhousing to the bedtime routine! It often does the trick.
Make time for play first thing in the morning if you are struggling getting out the door. It fills a child’s connection cup up and can help them want to cooperate as they get ready for the day.
Play is an essential ingredient in our parenting. So, let's remember to prioritize play and cherish the incredible benefits it brings into our lives.