Jackson
County
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By Nina Chen, Ph.D.
Human Development Specialist
Play is important to children’s well-being. Children learn from their
play to expand their understanding of themselves, others, and the world.
Play gives children opportunities to experience life and explore their
environment. Children need to play with others and play independently.
They also love playing with their parents and involving them in their
world.
No matter how busy you are, it is important to play with your children
when it is appropriate, especially during children’s early years. Your
involvement in children’s play can help their development and children
get the message that play is valuable.
When playing with children, both parents and children benefit. For
instance, by becoming involved in children’s outdoor play, parents and
children can have physical benefits of play and exercise. Play and
interaction with children can help increase the parent-child relationship
and help children work out tensions and fulfill the strong need for
physical activities. Playing
with children can also include sharing your skills and hobbies, playing
games, puzzles, pretend play, doing exercises, reading, storytelling,
singing, painting together, and so on.
When
playing with children, parents should enjoy their involvement with them
and have a willing-ness to think and act like a child rather than just
fulfill responsibility. Children
need to know that their parents enjoy them and their world. This will
support their self-esteem and teach them about the art of being involved
with others.
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University of Missouri Extension Jackson County Jacksonblsp@missouri.edu Updated 12/13/06 |
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