My girls love to play! While they enjoy structured and organized activities like sports, I also make sure they have plenty of time for unstructured or free play, where they choose what to play and engage in those activities with minimal adult supervision or direction. Over the years, I've found that kids gain many benefits from unstructured play. I call it self-guided growth and encourage you to give your kids plenty of opportunities for free play, too.
Builds Creativity
During unstructured play, kids make up their own games, rules, and activities. Their creativity blossoms when they're in charge of making up their own fun.
Develops Critical Thinking Skills
While building block towers, solving word puzzles, and climbing jungle gyms, kids must solve numerous problems and challenges. They'll use the valuable critical thinking skills they develop as they play to succeed in their academic, personal, and social pursuits for the rest of their lives.
Cultivates Communication Skills
My girls like to play with each other and with friends, and I often hear them talking about their hobbies, families, and daily lives. The ability to talk to others and communicate effectively is an invaluable skill cultivated during unstructured play.
Promotes Physical Well-Being
Kids need 60 minutes of play time every day to combat obesity and gain better physical strength. Play also improves coordination and body awareness, making it essential for a child's physical well-being.
Helps Kids Discover Likes and Dislikes
In the past year, my younger daughter has aspired to become an artist, writer, and veterinarian when she grows up, and she practiced being all of these things during unstructured play. Without realizing it, she's developing a list of things she likes and dislikes as she has fun.
Provides Relaxation
My girls spend eight or more hours every weekday following directions and focusing on school work and other responsibilities. Free play encourages them to relax, unwind, and have fun.
Reduces Stress
Even though they're still kids, my girls often feel stressed about school, friendship, and even family obligations. They need time to step away from the stress and enjoy carefree moments as kids while they enjoy free play activities.
Promotes Social Skills
When engaging in free play with other children or imaginary friends, kids learn a variety of social skills. I appreciate that free play promotes social skills like sharing, negotiating, taking turns, patience, and conflict resolution.
Hones Talents
Are your kids interested in music, sports, or art? Provide plenty of unstructured play time during which your kids can discover and hone their talents, abilities, and interests.
Builds Self-Esteem
I want my girls to become confident, courageous, and self-aware. They learn these skills as they make choices and self-advocate during free play.
Regulates Emotions
Almost every time my girls play, they experience a wide range of emotions, which can include joy, anger, fear, excitement, and disappointment. Through play, they develop the ability to regulate all of their emotions and show their feelings in appropriate ways.
Kids receive these 11 benefits when they participate in unstructured play. Encourage your kids toward self-guided growth by offering plenty of free play time. You may even get the same benefits as you join them!
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
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