By Angie Massey-Garrison, M.A., OCT
Play is important to child development, especially unstructured or free play (self-directed; not organized or goal-oriented). However, due to increasing academic pressures and busy schedules, the amount of play time in families has been steadily decreasing. Researchers have demonstrated a link in the rise of mental health problems in young people, such as anxiety and depression, to a corresponding decline in children’s opportunities to play. A hidden gem amid the Covid-19 shutdown is a pause or break from our hectic extra-curricular schedules. As families are transitioning into summer, this provides an ideal time to encourage more free play at home for kids (and adults) of all ages.
What are your memories of playing as a child? Some of us may remember playing hide and seek, tag, jump rope, biking with friends, creating obstacle courses, magic shows, creating imaginary worlds with dolls and/or superheroes, building forts, or playing dress-up. This kind of unstructured, freely chosen play is a testing ground for life. Now, what about our children? Are their opportunities for play the same? When children are in charge of their own play, it provides a foundation for later mental health. Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College, shares 5 main benefits of play.
Benefits of Play
1. Play provides a chance to find and develop a connection to self-identified and self-guided interests.
2. Through play, children learn how to make decisions, solve problems, exert self control, and follow rules.
3. During play, children learn to handle their emotions, including anger and fear.
4. Play helps children make friends and learn to get along with others as equals.
5. Play is a source of happiness.
Play is not restricted to young children. Adolescents and adults also benefit from unstructured play. Even companies, such as Google, encourage play which has been shown to increase productivity and morale. Play can be helpful to reduce stress, soothe anxiety, and promote resilience. This is especially important given the uncertainty in our lives right now. When we’re talking about play for teenagers (and even adults!), we’re talking about the time that isn’t filled with responsibilities. Play may look a little different for teens. For example it may mean incorporating humour into relationships or finding opportunities for playfulness in creative activities, interests, hobbies, and outlets (e.g., art, music, cooking, reading, crafts, movie making, astronomy, breeding chickens… the list is endless).
How do parents encourage free play?
Make small changes – Be willing to open up the schedule, reduce technology time, and let kids be when engaged in play (aka less hovering).
No judgment – As parents we are often out of touch of the harsh realities of our children’s lives. They are figuring out their world, who they are, where they fit in, and their interests and goals. Teens are especially sensitive to fears and judgement of others. Be curious about their interests, ask questions, listen, and hold back judgments. Play is not about reaching goals or meeting a parent’s expectation.
Finding balance – As more and more of our world goes digital, it may feel like a juggling act to find a reasonable balance between time spent on screens and time for other types of play. Work together to find an agreed upon balance. One activity does not have to replace another.
Modeling – As adults, do we make time for our interest, hobbies, activities? Do we encourage playfulness in our families? Children do as we do not as we say. There is an incredible benefit to teaching our kids how to play, laugh, and be silly.
This summer let’s embrace play and acknowledge value in the interests our kids have. Play is a valuable learning opportunity which will expand their horizons and prepare them with skills for tomorrow.
Further resources:
Can We Play? A UC Berkeley Publication
Importance of Play to Support Crisis: Support for Caregivers
Images
Jorelemon, G. (2017). Ball Pit. UnSplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/9IBqihqhuHc.