10 reasons why we should play with our children

Children spend the day playing. They have the power to turn anything into a game (the street tiles, use the colors of the objects for riddles , any bar or obstacle can be jumped or can be used to balance and so on). Play is essential in this vital stage: it contributes to the development of imagination , creativity , logical thinking, reasoning and understanding of the world in general.

In addition, the game has the quality of being a motivating and stimulating activity for the child, which is why it is an excellent resource both for teachers in the classroom and at home, in the acquisition of habits, values ​​and norms.

Due to our rhythm of life, many times we do not dedicate the time that we should or would like to our children. On many occasions, this function is delegated to a caregiver, the school itself, the grandparents or another relative. A study carried out by the Children’s Game Observatory concludes that 70% of Spanish parents have little time to be able to play with their children. This study also reflects the average time that parents spend with their little ones: it is only 2 hours a day.

We do not realize how important it is for the child that it is the father or the mother who fulfills this role as a playmate and we do not reflect on the benefits that this brings to the child’s personality, the educational process and the father-mother bond. -child (and all possible ties within the same family nucleus). Let’s find out what those benefits are.

WHY PLAY WITH CHILDREN AT HOME

Taking time to play with our children will be a very fun activity for both of us, and it will strengthen our bond:

1. Improves the child’s self – esteem . The child feels valuable and valued when time is spent and experiences are shared with him / her.

2. Improve family relationships . The fact of spending time together generates closeness and promotes emotions of security, affection, affection, attachment … and even more so when that time is surrounded by laughter and rewarding situations.

3. Play as a learning tool : both in the classroom and at home, play is a very useful resource for teaching both theoretical and practical content, health and hygiene habits, values, etc. Let’s take an example: we want to teach children about provincial capitals. We can form two teams and simulate a television game show. Another example could be the drawing. Drawing is a great and fun way to find out how children view some aspect of life, for example “foods they consider healthy.” Once the drawing is done, we can draw what is missing. Let’s not forget that what we do for ourselves is better remembered.

4. Helps with emotional control . Games teach values ​​and allow the child to know and manage feelings of frustration, sadness for “not having won”, joy for the happiness that the situation generates, anger, aggressiveness, etc. By participating in the game, parents can help the child in this identification and management.

5. Improves the child’s mood . Children who play with their parents are happier and there is no doubt about that.

6. It is valuable and meaningful time spent . Being present is not the same as being with the child. It is not the same to be next to the child while we look at the mobile, visit social networks, read or watch television, than to be interacting with him, sharing and communicating.

7. Improve family confidence. The child will feel that the parents are available and that they have their unconditional love. If this is grown from a young age, it may continue into adolescence and into adulthood. The adolescent will feel free to tell the problems that he has in the different areas of his life. It is necessary to take advantage of this child support tool.

8. Improve social skills. The child trains his communication, respect for speaking turns and assertiveness, among other skills. It is likely that a child in the same circumstances will not be able to provide that necessary feedback. A parent can serve as a guide.

9. Allows learning by models. Children are sponges, they imitate what they see, they repeat what they hear, and they absorb both the good and the bad. Take advantage of the game as a way to set an example of correct behaviors and habits.

10. It helps to get to know the child better , his personality, his hobbies, his fears, his worries, his way of acting …

PROPOSALS FOR ACTIVITIES TO PLAY WITH OUR CHILDREN

Normally our children will come up with thousands of proposals to play together, but if it does not occur to you, we offer you these games:

– Board games: we all have some at home. They help to have a good time and bring the family together

– Simulations of everyday scenes: going to the doctor, moms and dads, a day at the pool … this is one of the most fun games for children. In addition, we can give it even more excitement if we dress up or use toys and objects as part of the stage.

– Letters. This is a very recurrent game, since with a simple deck we can play many games of different difficulty.

– Drawing and coloring: as we already mentioned, it allows us to know the vision that the child has of the world. In addition, it stimulates creativity and other cognitive aspects. You can print pictures to color together.

– The movies . This is the quintessential 10 game as it takes nothing but imagination and a lot of lack of shame to have an amazing time. This game is guaranteed to cry and laugh.

– The traditional hideout or the English hideout. If done carefully at home it can be very exciting for everyone. In addition, physical activity is carried out .

– Crafts . This activity loves children can get dirty, manipulate and create. In addition, we have many resources on the internet for all tastes and degrees of difficulty. Origami, plasticine, felt, tempera, can be very useful resources.

– The theater and the stories. Simulating a story with its dialogues and even with a props can be a really fun activity.

– Other games: I see-I see, karaoke, cat and mouse, pillow fight and everything we can think of.

For this reason, we encourage you to dedicate time a day to play with the child. As little as it may be, he will appreciate it and surely, the benefits of the game will show in the short and long term.