Playtime for children without adult intervention can offer numerous benefits for your child. When they ask to play with you, they crave more time with their mom or dad. It helps them feel special, and parents should be enthusiastic about spending one-on-one time with their kids. Here are just a few reasons why playtime with your child is essential.
1. You Become an Active Role Model
Most parents understand children model the behaviors of their mom and dad. Yet, many don’t consider how playtime can instill moral values in their kids.
For instance, you become a role model by acting out good sportsmanship during playtime. How you act then can help your kid model these behaviors in the future. However, it’s best to encourage your child to stick to these values by praising their efforts.
2. Builds a Stronger Connection
Playing with your child is one of the most effective ways to build strong, healthy relationships. It can add joy and resilience, strengthening your connection with one another. It can also heal disagreements and resentments, which helps your child learn to trust others.
Children often connect with their parents deeper when they incorporate humor and silliness into their daily interactions. As a result, this can enhance your relationship and create a stronger bond.
3. Fosters Different Developmental Skills
Playing with your kids is a great way to boost their developmental skills. For example, it can help them develop their communication skills so they can listen and understand body language. Therefore, they can learn what’s acceptable by learning their cues from you.
In addition, parent-child playtime can develop other skills, including:
- Cognitive growth
- Gross motor skills
- Creativity
- Working memory
- Emotional and behavioral development
- Leadership skills
Moreover, parents offer a more viable, mature form of play. Since adults know more than children, playing with them can open their imagination. While spending time with other children can be fun for your child, nothing compares to the satisfaction of a grown-up entertaining them in a world of make-believe.
4. Increases Their Movement Skills
Children need to develop their movement skills at an early age. This way, they can become physically literate as they get older.
You can help your kid by playing and teaching them how to kick, catch, run and throw. Through these various activities, your child can develop a proper stance, enhancing overall physical strength.
5. You Discover the Nostalgia of Playtime Again
Playtime isn’t only good for your physical health. You may find more happiness when you experience it overall. It can release oxytocin into your body, reducing stress and blood pressure as you develop a closer bond with them.
No one is ever too old to play. Plus, spending time with your children and acting like one yourself is no shame. Even when you feel too tired to play with your kids, spending at least a few minutes of your time with them is still worth it.
Activities You Can Do With Your Child at Home
Now that you’ve learned the benefits of playing with your child, you can try these activities at home together.
Playing Dress Up
Inspire imagination by grabbing different pieces of clothing and encouraging your kid to pretend. Then, you can play a game based on what your child chooses. You can dress up like pirates or mermaids and pretend to look for buried treasure. Whatever adventure you go on together, make the most of it by having fun.
Play a Game of Tag
Chasing each other around the house and playing tag is a great way for you and the kids to get exercise. This game will help them get all their energy out if your children have lots of it. Plus, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up any messes afterward. You may even be able to enjoy a nap together once you’re all done.
Make an Obstacle Course
You can easily make an obstacle course using pillows, furniture and toys. However, ensure these objects are safe and soft for your kid. Once you get set up, the two of you can try to move through the obstacle course together as fast as you can. You can also time your child and encourage them to achieve a new record each time they go through it.
Play Board Games
Many board games are available for kids of all ages. Consider starting with something simple like Chutes and Ladders or Candy Land. Board games are a stimulating activity and allow your little one to develop dexterity and hand-eye coordination throughout the game. Plus, they can improve their problem-solving skills and tactical thinking.
Hide and Go Seek
Hide and Go Seek is a simple yet fun game for you and your child to play together. Playing this game gives them time to learn how to take turns, listen to the rules and deal with conflicts. It also helps develop their thought process, especially in creativity and problem-solving.
Encourage More Playtime
There are several good reasons for playing with your children. It’s vital in helping you to spend quality time together. Plus, it supports their overall emotional, physical and mental well-being. So the next time your kids ask if you can play, say yes!
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