There is nothing quite fulfilling as watching children play, try a new activity, or sporting event for the very first time. Children are so excited when they play. Their never-ending energy levels and engagement when playing is a great way to not only increase their confidence and imagination but also it helps to build strong muscles and character. Besides, it is so much more rewarding for parents to spend time with their children as opposed to plunking them down in front of a TV.
Many parents may wonder about the benefits and skills learned during playtime. This article will provide some of the excellent benefits that children will experience during playtime besides having fun.
1 – Playtime builds imagination and confidence. Participating in any physical activity will give the child an opportunity to conquer their fears, experience new things, and increase their confidence. There are many studies that show when a child becomes physically active they will experience higher levels of self-esteem, better coordination, and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Each new exercise, or activity, will require perseverance and practice. In the end, however, the child will receive a reward by accomplishing simple tasks such as swinging on a monkey bar or doing a somersault for the first time. Each time that they accomplish and succeed at an activity, their confidence levels will grow. This will allow them to be more adventurous as they take on bigger and more challenging activities. Next time you search for “bouldering near me“, think about whether your kids might enjoy that, too.
2 – Playtime will develop their athletic and key motor skills. Children will not even realise that they are developing and growing into young adults. For example, playing a game of tag with their friends helps to develop balance, coordination, and spatial relationships. Other games, such as a game of catch, will help to fine-tune their motor skills. A dancing class can teach them about rhythm, movement, and dancing to a beat.
Children who play outdoors are typically more fit than other children who spend the majority of their time indoors. A fit child is someone who is more likely to participate and enjoy a variety of activities such as sports, outdoor games, dance, and so forth. These type of physical activities will improve their cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength.
3 – Playtime encourages other beneficial qualities such as sportsmanship and teamwork. During playtime, children are taught to interact fairly with each other in a non-competitive environment. They are taught that winning is not the most important thing. Rather, the most important aspect is to try their best and to work well together with their playmates.
For example, in an outdoor activity such as soccer, children are encouraged to work together as a team. They soon realise that it is impossible to be successful in this type of game without your teammates. After all, there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’. This type of sport helps children to also encourage their teammates to do well. The team shares together in the anguishes of a defeat or the joys of a win.
4 – Playtime will build a strong bond between children and their coaches, teachers, and parents. As a parent, it really does not matter how much time you spend with your child. What is important is the quality time that is spent with your child. Quality playtime spent with your children will produce amazing results. As a parent participates with their child during playtime, they will be in a better position to understand their child’s physical, emotional, and mental makeup. Children will also feel more at ease when approaching their parents about any matter.