Take any worthwhile parenting course, and you will at some point cover the aspect of play and its importance to the learning process. Whether it’s joint play, solitary play or play as a group, there are all sorts of social, emotional and physical benefits that help them grow as little people.
Sure, balanced parental guidance is also key, but play is just as vital, which is something that we look into now. By reading to the end, you’ll have a better understanding of why it’s so crucial to have a play of some form in their young lives.
Independence & Confidence-Building
A great way to let a child’s imagination grow is to allow them free play where they get to choose exactly what they want to do by following their instincts. In this kind of scenario, the child psychology behind the positive benefits relates to the fact that there is no right or wrong to doing it.
When the play involved isn’t directed by the adult, it can work to develop a child’s independence, well-being and confidence and being in charge of their own make-believe world can also help them to explore their own feelings and make sense of all the new things they’re encountering every day.
Exercise Results in Increased Physical Wellbeing
Play can obviously take many forms, and when it involves lots of running and jumping, child development is helped by the fact that their physical wellbeing is enhanced. This kind of play also lets them use up all that energy they have, meaning that they’re much less likely to act up out of frustration.
Healthy eating for kids is another way to support their physical development, giving them the minerals and nutrients needed to live an active life. With so many digital devices in existence in the modern world, ensuring that children get out and are active is more important now than it ever has been.
Boosting Their Social Abilities
When play is carried out in groups, it can have a hugely beneficial effect on a child’s ability to socialise and get on with his or her peers. Knowing how to relate to others and create relationships is something that will stay with them for their lives. The social aspect of a child’s character is a crucial area to develop that’s right up there with numeracy and literacy skills; joint play helps greatly.
Improve Your Parenting Skills With Online Learning From OCA
So, as we can see, play is an integral part of a child’s growth both physically, mentally and emotionally, so whether engaging in joint play, adult-led play or free play, it’s something that should be included in some way, shape or form.
At Online Courses Australia, we offer a range of online parenting course options for parents and professional educators alike. They can be taken at your own speed and even paid for in manageable instalments, and what’s more, every hour taken on any of our online training courses counts as one CPD point!
So, if you’d like to know more about anything discussed here, our Support Learning & Development In Your Child Course or any of our short online courses, you can find out what you need to know by visiting us online at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au.
Alternatively, should you need to talk to us directly about your training needs, all you need to do is give us a call on 1300 611 404 today. Our friendly team is ready and waiting to take your call.
