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Monday, January 16, 2017
Hopscotch to Happiness: 7 Emotional Benefits of Play
My girls' newest obsession is hopscotch. While they haven't yet beaten the world record for most consecutive games in 24 hours (434 set in 1998), they've laid out hopscotch courts in almost every room of our house and play almost all the time. It's fun to watch them challenge themselves, and I encourage their play because it provides several great physical, mental, and emotional skills. Today, let's explore seven emotional benefits hopscotch and other play provides.
Gain Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is a realistic understanding of your ability, judgment, and power and is essential for success in life. Our kids develop this skill as they play because it provides opportunities for them to make and achieve goals, figure out what they like and don't like, and improve their abilities and strengths. Because of play, our children feel confident in themselves and become equipped to handle life.
Relieve Symptoms of Stress and Depression
We like to think that kids are immune from stress and depression, but school, social, or family challenges do affect children. Play gives kids an outlet for their emotions, helps them relax, and can relieve symptoms of stress and depression. See a professional therapist if your child exhibits serious signs of stress or depression, but encourage play to manage everyday symptoms.
Gain an Outlet for Expressing Feelings
Most kids internalize emotions, including grief, fear, or anger. Play therapy is a popular therapists' tool for kids. As they draw, create objects out of clay, or toss a ball, they open up and discuss their joys and troubles. Play also helps kids learn how to express their positive and negative emotions in an acceptable way.
Reduce Aggression
One of my son's friends became very angry and aggressive when he hit puberty. His mom decided to enroll him in swimming lessons, and her child thrived emotionally. This example is an excellent reason to encourage play, since it can help kids manage and reduce aggression.
Increase Joy
Laughing is great medicine for kids and adults. We feel less pain, experience improved memory, and enjoy better blood flow when we laugh. The next time your kids play, watch their faces light up with pleasure and joy. They'll feel happier and more relaxed as they have fun.
Improve Focus
Sometimes, my girls get so wiggly, energetic, and silly that they can't focus on anything, including their schoolwork, chores, or friends. I encourage them to play because it helps them shake out their sillies and focus. We always play before homework time or before we sit down to talk about serious issues so that they can be attentive and focused when it really matters.
Empathize With Others
Ever since my girls were young, I've encouraged them to play with each other and other kids so that they develop empathy. Kids don't always naturally emphasize with others. They do become sympathetic to others' emotions, learn to share, and develop negotiating skills as they play, though.
My girls may never beat the hopscotch record for most consecutive games. However, hopscotch and other play can lead to happiness, since play gives our kids so many emotional benefits. Let's encourage our kids to play more this year!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
Playgrounds
Swing Sets and Slides
Structures and Furniture
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