The Importance of Playing with Your Children

How many times have you heard that playing with your children is wrong? That they should go outside and entertain themselves on their own while you take care of more important things? Although it is important that your little one spends time with kids their own age, it is also essential that they spend time playing with you. This way you can easily let your child know they are loved and appreciated and learn more about their unique personality. On the other hand, playing with your kid can be a great way to reduce stress and relax after a hard day at work. Engaging in various family activities such as building a jigsaw puzzle, playing outdoors or getting involved in craft projects can benefit your child on multiple levels and help develop strong family bonds that can last a lifetime. Here are just some of the reasons why playing with your child is important for both of you.

You can help them get an active start

If you live in a neighborhood where there are no other kids, you cannot just let your child play on their own all the time. After all, they cannot play Frisbee or catch by themselves. Some games simply require more people, so why shouldn’t your little one feel the joy of playing them just because of these circumstances? Being your child’s playmate won’t spoil your kid or hinder their ability to make friends later on in life. It can only help them get an active start in life and ensure they don’t miss out on anything important.  

It nurtures your bond

Spending time playing with their Mom or Dad is something that stays with children for the rest of their lives. These positive life experiences stimulate their brain development and enhance their social skills. What is more important, playing with your little one can help you forge deep bonds with them, so make sure you do it no matter how busy you are. No matter how big or small your kids are, you can find great toys at FuntasticToy.com for every age, so get ones your little one will love and spend some time playing with them. 

You become their role model

Although children look up to their parents and imitate them, they cannot do it unless you actually spend time with them. By playing with your kid outside you will show them that you value physical activity and help them develop skills such as sportsmanship and effort. Unless you want your little one to start imitating characters from the TV shows they watch, be their role model and through fun and play teach them values such as sharing, communicating, and respect.

It develops crucial movement skills

Movements such as throwing, running, catching, jumping, skipping or hopping are important skills that kids learn during their childhood. However, this won’t just happen on its own. Little ones need opportunities to learn these skills and practice them, so you need to provide them. Fundamental movement skills are just as important as reading and writing and they can make sure your child has the confidence needed to engage in various physical activities later on. 

It helps them avoid the sedentary lifestyle

Most parents these days are complaining that their children spend too much of their time in front of a TV or staring at their phone. Playing with your child can help them fall in love with physical activity and set them up to become active for life. This can lead to better physical, mental, and emotional health and help them avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

It can improve their school grades

Spending hours doing homework with your child and helping them study is probably not your favorite activity in the world. Studies have shown that kids who are chronically inactive are not able to concentrate in school, which often leads to bad grades. Playing with your child and encouraging them to stay active can resolve their attention issues and help them become a better student. 

You get to reconnect with your inner child

As we grow older, playing gradually stops being a part of our life and obligations and responsibilities take over. However, laughing and acting silly can help you destress and increase your serotonin levels without any medications. There is nothing wrong with playing with your kids and acting like one yourself. In fact it can help you feel happy, fulfilled, joyful and energized. 

Playing with your kid sparks their creative thinking

One of the more obvious benefits of playing with your kid is that it increases a child’s creativity. When they are little, kids love to engage in pretend play where they get to imagine scenarios and then act them out. This type of play is highly important since it allows little ones to be creative. Therefore, let your little one develop the theme and play along. Instead of being a passive spectator, don’t be afraid to engage, be silly along with them and just have fun. Pretend play also helps your kid to practice their vocabulary when they speak and try to understand you. 

It teaches them to control their impulses

By playing with your kid and teaching them to wait for their turn, they can learn to control their negative emotions and resist their urges to grab objects from other children. This can also benefit their social life since kids who are in better control of their emotions are more likable in preschool and able to make friends more easily.

Playing with your little one is one of the most precious gifts you can give them, so make sure you make time for it in your busy schedule.