Gone are the days of going outside to play, tossing a baseball or football in the cul de sac, and riding bikes for hours in the neighborhood. Scary stories about innocent children being abducted made us all nervous about the whereabouts of our kids, and the debut of fancy mobile devices and high-tech video games made outdoor fun seem a little lame.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the technology. I rely on it to work and also enjoy my Pinterest time in bed after hours. However, there is something magical about simply playing with others, and discovering the world with just your imagination.
And that’s what the Genius of Play campaign is all about. Kids need a variety of play options to develop into well-rounded adults. From running around the yard to enjoying arts and crafts or enjoying group games, these day-to-day interactions are actually experiences children will take with them in life…even if THEY don’t realize that.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend at least 60 minutes of open-ended play. Experts agree by teaching kids lessons and important life skills, play has a profound impact on childhood development. It improves cognitive abilities, hones communication skills, increases creativity, helps children process and express emotions, develops physical skills and enhances social skill.
Kids who play with literacy materials, like pretending to read to stuffed animals, have better languages abilities in kindergarten. Playing make-believe games is actually essential for kids who to develop a sense of curiosity and learn how to respond to different situations. Talking, singing, reading and playing are the best ways to stimulate children’s brain development.
There are dozens of surveys and studies about excessive use of technology for small children, but so far, I’m not seeing any disadvantages to good old-fashioned play time. These games are actually a fun teaching tool and interactive way you can engage with your kids.
And it doesn’t take a lot to do some of these activities. Whether the sun is shining or it’s pouring down raining outside, any day is perfect for play. Plus, with the weather cooling off, or at least it should in a few weeks, now is a perfect time to try out these fun games.
The hardest part of is probably going to be convincing your children to try out a new kind of unstructured fun and honestly making time each week with everything else you have going on. But it’s something that could have a life-changing impact on your child. Maybe you won’t see it immediately, but there will be long-term positive results, even if it’s nothing more than spending quality time with your family.
I didn’t grow up with any of fancy devices children have today. The fanciest thing we had was Fisher Price’s brown tape player and a Snoopy Snow Cone Maker. Still, I would like to believe that my development as an adult is directly related to the imaginative free play I had growing up. I made the most memories playing with my friend Shana at my grandparents’ backyard all summer, making four-course meals out of mud, grass and pecans.
Funny enough not much has changed except now I’m old enough to use the stove.
It’s definitely the simple things in life. Kids are generally happy with very little!
I really try to limit what my son does on the computer and phone. He is learning that there is more to do than sit at a computer all day and play games. He actually likes it better.
Play is so important for kids. It breaks my heart that P.E. isn’t a full period anymore. Kids LEARN through play.
You barely see any kids playing outside anymore. It’s hard to get them out to play sometimes with all the technology they have at hand.
We encourage as much play as possible at my house! Even when it is messy! My kids get so frustrated when they go to a friends house and all there kid does is play video games.
I didn’t grow up with all of the technology of today. I remember so many days of playing in the yard, crafts and fun with our family. Definitely fond memories!
Play is extremely important to me. I usually keep the t.v. off so my children can play instead of watch t.v. We love to get outside as much as possible too.
I’m so glad that playing has so many benefits for the kids! I love this campaign!
I agree 100% that play is crucial for a child’s development. It is also important for adults to get in there and play as well!
I don;t mind my kids having some screen time, but I do notice that they are much more pleasant and better behaved when they have really play time. We are big on it at our house!
Kids learn so much from playing! It’s important to their ability to develop creativity and social skills!
I just helped my friend get rid of most of her kids toys. We kept the ones they like the most and got rid of the rest. It is important to encourage free play.
I like to get my kids outside to play. It is important to use your imagination.
I think it is true for adults too! Playing helps us all grow though play changes with age- it is basically having fun exploring the world around you.
We didn’t grow up with fancy devices either! We did not even get a family computer until I was 14 years old!
there are so many great reasons to engage children in playtime. I loved exploring all of the facts through this website. I never knew that people who play are nto only healthier physically but more creative mentally!