Sometime the weather just begs for board games, pretend play and all those other things that keep both children and parents sane when stuck inside. Playing is more than just keeping the kids busy.
There are more than a few core benefits of play, some more obvious than others. So, take a look at the HABA shortlist of what makes play so important.
Then get your PLAY-on, no matter the season, and discover a great way to make meaningful connections!
1) Playing means not being alone. Nurture your child’s social side with games, be it a family activity or play date. Bringing your child to the table builds bonds with siblings, friends and parents alike. No matter which you choose, every game requires interaction and confidence-building attention.
2) Playing means learning to be patient. You’ve got to play by the rules, which reinforce the virtue of patience. Following instructions, waiting for your turn and concentrating on the flow of a game all contribute to the development of this important characteristic.
3) Playing means having courage. When you roll the dice or stack a game piece in a game of skill, you take a chance. Games and play introduce children to the excitement of unpredictability and the will to try new things.
4) Playing means feeling. Ahh, the thrill of victory and agony of defeat. Competition introduces the concept of emotions to children in a positive way. You can’t stay down for long when the next game is but a moment away.
5) Playing means becoming someone else. Pretend play nurtures imagination. With a few props, your child transforms into a brave knight, plundering pirate, pretty princess or lovely ladybug. It’s more than acting; it takes some deep thinking to develop elaborate storylines that will entertain the kids as well as yourself.
6) Playing means listening. All toys and games need to be explained, so communication is an innate feature of just about any activity. Play at early ages introduces the value of listening and development of memory.
7) Playing means speaking. This is where your child talks back, and not in the negative sense. As your child learns to listen and contribute, they’re also fine-tuning language skills and finding the value in speaking up in social settings.
What does PLAY mean to you? Tell us on Instagram or Twitter using #HABAUSA!
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