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littleWAVES
littleWAVES JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 51
THE
ROLE OF
PARENTS
Parents play a vital role in
fostering an environment that
values play. Avoid micromanaging or imposing too many
rules during playtime—give
your child the freedom to explore and take the lead.
A WORD ON
PLAY AND
LEARNING
Contrary to popular belief,
play is not “just” fun; it’s a
powerful learning tool. According to a study in the Journal of
Play, children develop foundational academic skills through
play, such as early math concepts when stacking blocks or
language skills during pretend
games.
FINAL
THOUGHTS
Free play is not a luxury—it’s a
necessity. As parents, we have
the opportunity to preserve the
magic of childhood by ensuring
our children have the time and
space to play. The next time
your child starts an impromptu
tea party with their stuffed animals or turns a cardboard box
into a spaceship, remember:
they’re not just playing; they’re
growing.
Let’s embrace the power of
play and give our children the
freedom to imagine, create,
and thrive.
HOW TO
ENCOURAGE
FREE PLAY
1.Create a Play-Friendly
Environment
Designate a safe, open space in
your home or yard where your
child can play freely. Provide simple, open-ended toys like blocks,
art supplies, and dress-up clothes to
spark creativity.
2.Limit Screen
Time
Excessive screen time can crowd
out opportunities for play. The
American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends no more than one
hour of screen time per day for
children aged 2–5 and consistent
limits for older kids.
3.Encourage Outdoor
Adventures
Nature is the perfect playground.
Take your child to parks, beaches,
or hiking trails where they can
explore, climb, and discover.
Outdoor play also reduces stress
and boosts mood.
4.Avoid
Overscheduling
While extracurricular activities
have their place, too many can
leave little room for unstructured
time. Make sure your child has
pockets of free time in their daily
routine.
5.Join in
Occasionally
Although free play should primarily
be child-led, occasionally joining
your child in their imaginative
games can deepen your bond and
encourage their creativity.
BENEFITS
OF FREE
PLAY
1. Boosts Creativity
and Imagination
During free play, children invent
scenarios, roles, and games, which
stimulates their creativity and problem-solving skills. For instance, building a fort out of cushions or pretending to be a superhero encourages
imaginative thinking.
2. Enhances
Social Skills
Play often involves collaboration,
negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Whether kids are playing tag or
building sandcastles, they learn how
to communicate, compromise, and
work as a team.
3. Supports Physical
Development
Running, climbing, and jumping
during outdoor play strengthen motor
skills and overall fitness. According
to the World Health Organization,
children aged 5–17 need at least
60 minutes of moderate to vigorous
physical activity daily, much of which
can come from play.
4. Improves Emotional
Regulation
Free play offers a safe space for
children to express and process their
emotions. Pretend play, for example,
allows kids to act out fears or frustrations, helping them develop emotional
resilience.
5.Encourages
Independence
When kids lead their own play, they
learn to make decisions, solve problems, and take risks—skills that build
confidence and independence.
