Play
The importance of play
When we talk about play, people naturally think about young children, however all children and young people should have the opportunity to play every day.
Play is important for the early stages of brain development and playing with your child can help build relationships for later life. But no matter what age we are, play helps to develop important skills for learning, life and work.
Encouraging play is one of the best things you can do for your child, whatever their age, and it's free.
Children and young people have a right to play. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states (in Article 31) that every child should have:
"The right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts."
How can I help?
When you play with your baby or young child it is an important part of the bonding process. How you play with your child when they are young can have a positive impact on how they form relationships when they are older.
As your child grows up your role will change. They will need you to take a step back and allow them to play alone and with their friends. This helps to build their confidence and independence. Teenagers appear to spend less time playing freely, and their behaviour more closely reflects that of adults, with the focus more on spending time with friends, socialising, and taking part in recreational activity.
There are lots of different things you can do to encourage your child or young person to play.
Get the environment right – turn off the TV!
Encourage play, especially outdoors, remember to allow freedom and choice.
Encourage your child to play outside in all kinds of weather.
Give your child enough time to finish their play.
Allow your child to take and manage risks in their play.
If you have to stop your child playing, try to give them plenty of warning to allow them to bring their play to a close.
