One important tip is to keep the child's safety as a center concern. They have a lot of energy and will exert that energy causing their coordination to sometimes become disconnected.
Play time affects children's development in cognition, social skills, use of language, and motor skills and is a part of how their minds dip into creativity. "Play leads to discovery, reasoning, manipulative skills, divergent production and improves problem solving (Dansky, 1980; Sylva, 1977)." Many of these skills will also be needed as they mature into adults.
Researchers are beginning to identify ways to provoke children's play in new and imaginative ways which promote cultural awareness.
It is explained that the experiences of childhood, especially play, help form the brain's circuits. If neurons are not used they may die (Begley, 1996).
High emphasis is placed on children's physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Too much of kid's every day activities involve occupying couch space and sitting glued to the TV or video games, and this must change! Parents, keep them active and participating in new and fun activities like sports and youth programs like the Ymca or Boys & Girls Club.
Researchers say that play time is crucial and is even therapeutic. "A growing body of research reviewed by Landreth (1995) concludes that playing helps children to resolve conflicts resulting from child abuse, family disruptions and other trauma."
One last final note. Kids enjoy playing, but it is also good for them. Even though it is easy to let them convince you that they'd rather watch Batman or Disney channel, keep them going and try and keep up with them if you can!
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