Importance of Play

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Play is such a vital part of a child's development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. Play is essential to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.

Play allows children to...

• develop confidence they will need to face future challenges.
• share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts.
• discover areas of interest with passion.
• engage and interact with the world around them.
• build active, healthy bodies.

Play allows parents to...

• engage and communicate with their children.
• offer guidance and model appropriate behavior.
• understand their child's views and experiences.
• spend quality time building long-lasting memories.

Help your family rediscover play time as the simple, yet cherished part of childhood:

1. Turn off the computer or television. Allow your child to be creative and imaginative on their own without being guided or directed.
2. Get out their true toys, not the ones that talk or lead them through a lesson of some sort, but the blocks and dolls that allow them to use their imagination.
3. Give your child some downtime. Not every minute of everyday must be scheduled. They need time to relax and unwind too.
4. Don't let the pressures of society guide you into what is best for your child's success. Every child is different and may not thrive under the same conditions as other children in the neighborhood. Remember unconditional love in a supportive home is one of the most important values you can give to your child.
5. Spend time together as a family. Make time to play together and be together.
6. Get involved in the community to create safe places for children to thrive and play in a safe environment.

Source: "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds" released by American Academy of Pediatrics in October 2006.