I don't know about you...but I find my life full...busy, trying to just keep up. Both my daughters have their own unique needs and are in band, sports and have learning challenges--homework takes longer. But did you know that play is one of the most beneficial things you can do with your kids? You should be having fun with your kids... When was the last time you laughed out loud with your children? When was the last time you truly had fun with them?
Why should you play? Because it creates bonds and attachments with your children. It will decrease stress in you and your child and will promote learning. It leads to better brain growth and will increase focus in both you and your child. Play has been found to show significant increase in executive functioning in children, organizational skills, and improved short term memory. Did you know that play will also help you sleep better? What else can do all this for you and your child?
What are some types of play that you can easily do with your kids that can be low cost/high impact?
Balloons-blow up a balloon and hit it
around the room. Keep it in the
air. Don’t let it fall. When was the last time you did this?
Bubbles-now you need to play, you blow
the bubbles and have the kids chase them and pop them and then reverse the
roles. When was the last time you were
covered in bubble slime?
Scavenger
Hunt-
Make the kids hunt for their dessert or some other fun ending—make them work
for hit. Hide clues throughout the house
(at least 5)---for example “the place Uncle Danny likes to sit when he visits”
or “the spot Sarah spilled her milk last night” or “Where Jeff announced he got
an A on his math test” do things that highlight family memories, as well as
simple ones too—such as where we clean the clothes.
Build
a fort
out sheets and the kitchen table or out of card board boxes and then if the
kids are in to it, maybe read a story together in the cave you created.
Pitch
a tent in the back yard and
have a camp out at home.
101
Fun Activities to do with your Child—this is a great post and well worth
looking at. She has some fabulous ideas
for all of us. She starts her post with
simply stating, “Spending intentional un-interrupted time with your child has infinite
rewards. No matter the quantity or quality of toys they may have, it will never
compare to simply being with you.”
Dr. Stuart Brown did a Ted Talk in 2008 about this. It is pretty clinical but gives you a great picture into why play is so necessary. It is essential that we all take time to play with our kids...get down on the floor--get dirty....have fun...laugh. The following video is about 24 minutes but worth your time.
http://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital
Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA in her most recent book, Attaching Through Love, Hugs and Play: Simple Strategies to Help Build Connections with your Child, talks about the benefits of play to attachment. You can hear her at Refresh 2017 in Washington. Early registration is open March 3 & 4th: http://www.occ.org/refresh/ Early birth registration is $49 until November 13th.
American Academy of Pediatrics Article Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds
Why is play important? Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Creative Development. Education.com has a great article highlighting the benefits of play in Emotional, Physical and Creative Development.
100 Ways to have fun with your kids for Free or Cheap. –all good ideas.
101
Things to do when your kids say “Mom I’m Bored!” -another good post, but not all activities to do together.
Child Development Institute: Playing with your child.
Child Development Institute: Playing with your child.
