Why it is Important to Play With Your Children

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Lately it seems as though parents are becoming more busier with their lives outside the home than inside with their families.  While in many households both parents need  to work to earn enough income to provide for their families, this does not mean that time cannot be put aside for playtime with your children.

Some parents may argue that playing with their children is a waste of time and does not benefit the children nor themselves. However, I have to disagree with this 100%. Children need so much love and attention, especially from their parents.

Playtime with your children does not have to be made into a boring chore. Remember they didn’t ask to be brought into this world. That was their parent’s choice. Just taking a few minutes out of the day can be beneficial to both parents and children.

The following will give you an idea just how important it is to take some time out of the day and share it with your little ones.

1. Playing with your children shows them that you love them and that they are important.
2. Strengthens the child and parental bond.
3. Gives you a chance to relax and have fun. Get out some paper and paints and have fun painting a picture together.
4. You might be able to recognize developmental delays or behavioral issues. This is a good opportunity to examine what your children already know and whether or not they have reached age appropriate skills.
5. Builds confidence and self esteem. Try starting a craft project that you would both enjoy.
6. Makes them aware of what is appropriate play between children and adults. You may not be the only adult playing with your child so they need to know that there are boundaries when it comes to privacy and touching.
7. Gives you some time for yourself. Playing with your children will lessen their need to be more dependent on you. They will enjoy the time you have spent playing with them and the attention they have received. In turn they will also enjoy a little alone time.
8. Learn basic home life skills as well as problem solving skills. Let your child help out with basic chores around the home. Act out some common problems that they may be faced with and guide them through making appropriate decisions. Remember to have fun with your children while teaching them.
9. Learn to care for others and the environment. Do this by taking play time outside the home. Volunteer at a local hospital, elder’s home, or animal shelter. When heading out to the hospital or elder’s home bring along some board games or puzzles to play. If visiting ananimal shelter offer to help care for animals by walking dogs or playing with the animals.
10. Taking the time to play with your children shows other parents and society in general a positive side to parents interaction with their children. All to often society seems to focus on the negatives when it comes to parents and children. Instead let society know that you are involved in the well being of your children and doing your part to help ensure that they grow up to be intelligent, strong, and healthy individuals.

Do you feel that playtime between children and parents is important?

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