The importance of play in childhood development cannot be emphasized enough. Various forms of play can be seen in nonhuman mammalian species and appear to contribute to the survival of those animals implying that play serves an evolutionary function for many animals across the globe. Play is relatively difficult to define as it can encompass many different forms, nonetheless, Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College, defines it as such, “play is self-chosen and self-directed. It is an imaginative, non-literal activity in which means are more valued than ends with rules that are not dictated by physical necessity but emanate from the minds of the players.”
Play and Brain Functioning
There are a multitude of benefits play has on childhood development. Play can enhance executive functioning within the brain. This allows for improved cognitive flexibility as well as enhanced inhibitory control which helps to filter out distractions in one’s environment. Children who engage in play activities frequently are more likely to be able to manage their impulses more effectively and come up with resolutions to disputes. By improving executive functioning, children who play often are also likely to have enhanced working memory and are therefore able to retain more information for longer. This helps with increasing their attention span and problem solving. Through play, the prefrontal cortex develops which serves to balance out the impulsiveness and emotionality of the amygdala.
Rodent studies show that when rodents are isolated and not allowed to play with other rodents their development is impaired. They develop cognitive deficits, have impaired impulse control and display more rigid behavior patterns. Similar results are found in play deprived monkey’s.
Play and Development
Through engaging in play, children are role-playing real life scenarios. They are able to work through various different situations and experience the consequences attached to them in a safe environment. They can freely express themselves and experiment within this context. This forms the building blocks for learning. Especially in early years, learning itself is a form of play. Both learning and play involve observation, imitation and active engagement.
Play and Social Skills
Play in childhood is critical for the development of pro-social behavior. By engaging in play, children are practicing their communication skills. They are engaging in negotiation and finding ways to compromise if disputes arise. This leads to developing empathy and understanding that other people may have different points of view.
Through interacting with others, play brings children as well as adults, closer together. If a parent or caregiver engages in play, watches, listens or talks to their child during playtime, they are building a positive relationship with the child which can set the foundation or expectations for future relationships.
Play and Emotional Regulation
Through engaging in various types of play children are able to build up an extensive repertoire of coping skills. Sometimes games and rules don’t go according to how each child wants. For example, when playing snakes and ladders, sometimes a player lands on a snake and has to go back to square one. Through experiencing these setbacks, children develop coping skills and can regulate their emotions accordingly. Play teaches children effective ways of dealing with negative affect as well as helps mitigate stress.
Play and Physical Fitness
Needless to say, rough and tumble play, chase games, hide and seek involve movement. They are active games which encourage physical fitness in children. Children who engage in physical play also exercise their fine and gross motor skills which are crucial for the development of a wide variety of other skills such as playing sports, handwriting, arts and crafts and much else.
Conclusion
Overall, play is a critical aspect of childhood development. It is something that needs to be protected and encouraged. With the rise in technology and proliferation of iPad’s and online games, we can see the landscape of play changing dramatically. Although virtual games and digital options may serve a purpose and have their own benefits, playing iPad games is largely sedentary. Children can sit on an iPad and play for hours barely moving any muscles, except those in their fingers and even that may be limited to a simple tap. While there may be multiplayer options, many of the games out there can be played in isolation, limiting the opportunities to develop relationships and work on those complex social skills involving cooperation and compromise. Many of these games also have set rules. The more structured and rule bound games are, the more creativity and imaginative thinking are restricted.
In order for children to flourish we need to ensure we carve out time for free, unstructured play. It doesn’t have to be fancy or involve expensive toys. It simply has to be child led and inherently enjoyable for the child. It is one of the most important activities a child can engage in. It is important for the child in the moment to experience a stress free, fun environment whilst also building up an immense repertoire of skills. These skills will help the child successfully navigate and adapt to a variety of situations in the future. Playtime should not be viewed as time wasted but time well spent!
References
Bekoff, M. (2014). The Importance of Play: Having Fun Must be Taken Seriously. Psychology Today. Retrieved June 15th 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/animal-emotions/201405/the-importance-play-having-fun-must-be-taken-seriously
Nijhof S L, Vinkers C H, Geelen S M Van, Duijff S N, Achterberg E J M, Net J Van Der, Veltkamp R C, Grootenhuis M A, Putte E M Van De, Hillegers M H J, Brug A W Van Der, Wierenga C J, Benders M J N L, Engels R C M E, Ent C K Van Der, Vanderschuren L J M J and Lesscher H M B (2018). Healthy play, better coping : The importance of play for the development of children in health and disease Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 95, 421–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.024
Yogman M, Garner A, Hutchinson J, et al; AAP COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, AAP COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA. The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics. 2018;142(3):e20182058
