Yes- just one week after school ended for summer vacation I heard it, "Mom, I am so bored." I was waiting to pick my own child up from a sport's activity and began to really think about this. Children's ability to play and entertain themselves has seemed to diminish over recent years. I am not refering to organized activities provided for our children. I am talking about the ability to just "play."
In recent times, play for children has tended to revolve around specific activities, sports or toys that regulate and steer the child's play. Think back to the days when children created their own toys and played using their imagination. A stick was a pirate's sword. A blanket could become a tent.
Research has proven that play is just as important for physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, excercise and a balanced diet. It can help turn negative feelings into positve ones. It often relieves stress. Play can also build interpersonal connections. Play increases physical activity.
Play also teaches children all kinds of life skills. Playing some games teaches math skills. It encourages children to get along with others. But the most important thing I found when reading about the benefits of childrens' play, is that it develops the important cognitive skill of self-regulation. It teaches children how to use self-control and discipline. This also means it helps them learn to resist acting on impulse. This skill is critical in all areas of our lives. According to research, as children use imaginative play less, so has this skill developed less in today's children.
As we try to be good parents and provide activities for our children throughout the summer, we can not forget to leave unstructured time for play. I don't mean time to zone in front of the TV or hours on the computer playing video games. I mean time to be either alone or with friends and using their imaginations. Tell your children to, "Have fun and go play!"
