Play is essential for the development of children. It doesn’t just help them with their motor skills, but it also improves their intelligence, creativity, and social skills. Any parent would be proud to say that their children are growing up strong, smart, and well-adjusted. But the child can’t just engage in play on their own. It’s best that their parents do it with them as well, especially early on in their life. The following are some reasons you should also participate in your child’s play sessions.
It Helps You Teach Them
One of the most important roles of the parent is to teach their child life lessons as well as early versions of the topics that they will discuss in school. Play, especially the kind done with others, lets children experience social situations and intellectual challenges that they would likely encounter when they grow up. They learn by observing their surroundings and how they react when they do certain actions. Being there when they play with educational toys for toddlers lets you guide them in what they should do.
It Encourages You to Communicate
Part of developing the parent-child bond is open communication between the two parties. What better place or situation for you to talk to each other and come to a mutual understanding than during play? It’s a low-stress and fun activity without the awkwardness or tension between you. Here, you can observe each other’s body language and engage freely in talk. Savour these moments, as you’ll have a harder time talking to your child when they grow older.
It Teaches You to Become a Better Parent
There are certain traits that you must learn if you’re going to be a good parent to your child. These include patience and understanding. When you engage in play with your child, not only they learn social skills but you as well. Play gives you a safe space to work out your relationship with your child and develop the traits that are necessary for raising them well. Just like with communication, these will benefit you even later on in life.
It Helps Relieve Stress
There is no denying that play is a fun activity. One can spend hours doing things without a care in the world, and because of that, one can relieve their stress. Again, it’s not just the child that will gain the benefit of play in this aspect. The parents will, too, or at least when they engage with their kids. What is taking some time out from work or chores to simply play with your child? When you see their smile and hear their laughter, it will surely melt the stress away.
It’s important for parents to be there for their children, even in their playtime. Not only do they get to learn better; you as a parent can also realize a thing or two about your kid and your relationship. So the next time your child asks you to play, go ahead and say yes. You will not regret it.