Why play matters in early childhood
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Why play matters in early childhood: the early years are crucial
Why play matters in early childhood: As a baby boomer there have been significant changes in society during my lifetime, some for the better, others perhaps less so. It is very interesting to look at photos taken in the 1970’s of large crowds on the beaches, when contrasted with today. The 1970’s photo shows that most people are slim and fit, compared with the photos taken nowadays of many overweight people. Human nature certainly hasn’t changed during this period, but somethings certainly have. Obviously, the food industry has a great deal to answer for, in terms of fast ultra processed food and addictive ingredients designed to make people feel hungry, when they’re not. However, it’s too simplistic just to blame food.
Benefits of active play for young children and how computers have changed childhood
When I was a kid there were no computer games, and I wasn’t allowed to watch too much television. Therefore, I spent every waking hour either working on the family farm or playing with my friends. At school, most kids were fit and healthy, with maybe one or 2 overweight exceptions. Nowadays 13.5% of 2–5-year-olds, and 20.3% of 6–11-year-olds are obese in the US. Mental health was not taken so seriously when I was a kid, and so many poor souls back then would be treated differently nowadays. However, it does seem as though mental health amongst children is a bigger issue now, than it was for previous generations. For example, 20% of children aged 3-17 years suffer from mental disorders, with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety being especially prevalent.
There is no evidence to support the theory that screen time causes ADHD, but excessive screen time has been shown to reduce a child’s ability to focus and control emotions. And too much sugar, colorings and additives can lead to hyperactivity in some. However, lack of physical exercise and too much time spent in isolation are known to negatively mental well-being. Nowadays, many parents both work pressurised jobs, and so the importance of play in childhood is often overlooked.
Why play matters in early childhood
My early childhood education involved many hours of physical exercise and playing with others. At that time bangs and bumps were considered a normal part of growing up on a pig farm, and my immune system was second to none! Nowadays, I enjoy excellent health which I attribute in part, to lots of physical activity, fresh air and a great diet as a child. Physical activity strengthens the bones, muscles and cardiovascular system, and a good diet is essential. Physical activity also releases endorphins, a ‘feel good’ hormone which reduces anxiety and stress. Encouraging healthy eating habits in children is essential, albeit it very challenging! As a child, our food was organic, and home produced. I took it all for granted back then, but nowadays I consider myself to be very fortunate. My experiences made me understand why play matters in early childhood, both mentally and physically.
Learning how to interact with other is just one of the many benefits of active play for young children. Humans are social beings, and so children must learn how to read other people and control their behaviors. Play also teaches cooperation, integration and perhaps most importantly, it should be joyous and fun.
What are stackable dolls and how can they benefit children?
Fine motor skills are essential for writing, drawing, hand to eye coordination and picking up small objects. Playing with dolls develops fine motor skills, and stackable dolls are particularly good in this regard. Typically, there are 4 – 6 dolls in each set, each of which consists of 2 halves, which pull apart, to reveal a smaller doll inside. The process of taking them apart and then putting them back together again is very beneficial to children for various reasons. For example, it teaches logic, coordination, and strengthens the muscles in the hands and fingers. In summary, we need to understand why play matters in early childhood because there are so many benefits to be gained, and essential life skills to be learned.
