Play is an integral part of most people’s childhoods; although you might consider it nothing more than a bit of fun, play is actually essential for children to develop into strong and social adults. So, next time you doubt the positive impact of taking your child to the playground or sending them to child care, keep these benefits in mind.

How Do Kids Benefit From Play?

1. Build Strong Parent-Child Relationships

When your child coaxes you into playing dolls or building a castle, you’re doing more than giving them temporary joy. In fact, by playing with your child, you’re teaching them that you are there to listen and are laying the foundation for a lasting, healthy relationship. 

Also, in playing with your child, you get the chance to see everything from their perspective and, as a result, might learn to communicate with them more successfully. If your child is shy, or non-verbal, play might give them a chance to communicate their ideas and feelings with you through actions.

2. Hone Social Skills & Communication

Social time, whether at a child care center or in the back yard with friends, enables children to build the basis for social interactions that will prove essential throughout their lives. In group environments, they’ll learn how to collaborate, compromise, and assert themselves when necessary; they’ll also learn to resolve conflicts and follow the rules.

Effective social skills are also proven to help children achieve academic success; one study found that a child’s social skills in 3rd grade were a good predictor of their academic success in 8th grade. Play leads to productivity.

3. Physical Development

Although play might come with a few scrapes and bruises, it also helps children to build their fine-motor skills, gross-motor skills, and balance. Whether your little one is crawling through the grass or reaching for the monkey bars, they’re mastering movements that will serve them in the playground, classroom, and beyond.

Play also encourages children to expend their energy and, as a result, have healthier sleeping habits. Plus, research has shown that an active childhood leads to productive adulthood. Childhood play might one day evolve into a successful exercise routine.

Encourage play by sending your child to Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO. They’re an early childhood center with a highly trained staff that caters to your child's developmental needs. They offer a variety of child care programs, including summer camp and before and after school care; their licensed instructors prioritize a balanced curriculum that blends traditional and progressive teaching methodologies. For confident child care that sets your child up for future success, call (636) 724-5048. For their Cottleville location, call (636) 447-4212. Learn more about their programs online.