Free Play Time is Vital for Kids Growth

At Toys Games Puzzles, we believe in the importance of play as a vital part of growing up. Did you know that recent studies have shown that healthy play is good for developing young brains?

For example, it is notable that kids are more attentive in school after they have had a short break -- or a recess as it's called in most places. It's because play, unlike a classroom, doesn't involve adult influence.

For example, in Sweden and Finland, the value of kids’ play time is considered a very important element within their educational systems. In these countries, a full 15 minutes out of every 45 minutes of schooling is devoted to play time - whether indoors or outdoors. When the kids return from play time they’ve got a bounce in their step, and their minds are refreshed, ready for more learning.

One form of play, called 'sociodramatic play' is pretend play which can aid in developing language and thinking abilities. Also, by pretending they also learn about emotions and how to deal with them.

Play is also beneficial in teaching kids about logic and reasoning. Say if a baby doll 'wets' her/himself, a diaper has to be changed. In that way, pretend play helps children make rational decisions.

It's adults who make the decisions for young children. For example they are told 'yes' or 'no' like when to go to bed and how to dress. Naturally, these decisions are made in kids' best interests but they are not their own decisions.

That's where play comes in.

Play is different because it permits kids to make their own decisions, and in so doing, aids in creating confidence, a positive self-worth, and ability.

So let kids play!