“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." -Fred Rogers
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight the positive impacts that PLAY has on the mental health and wellness of young children. Play supports a child's development in every way, building life skills and specifically growing social and emotion competencies. Below are just some of the many ways play enhances early childhood mental health.
Independent Play- promotes leadership, confidence, self-identity, self-sufficiency, ability to self-direct, and individual/ independent processing.
Messy Play- develops self control and emotional regulation, allowing children to strengthen their sensory processing skills and build perseverance.
Imaginative Play- allows children to explore other perspectives, personalities and roles. They are able to examine their thoughts and feelings, problem solve real life situations, work out social interactions and develop impulse control and conflict resolution skills.
Physical Play- exercise, outside activity and physical play increase blood flow, oxygen levels, brain connections and boost the happy chemicals in the brain, benefiting social and emotional functioning. It improves memory, attention, and all brain activity, which enhances mood and ability to cope with stress.
Sensory Play- promotes learning and exploration, encourages curiosity and develops sensory input and concentration. It can calm and help regulate the nervous system.
Cooperative Play- supports social skills, builds connection, relationships and self regulation. Promotes problem solving, friendship skills, communication, listening skills and conflict resolution.
Symbolic Play- helps to process emotions, verbalize feelings, manage thoughts and can reduce stress while building resiliency and safety. Allows for abstract thinking and forethought.
Play truly is the work of childhood, it supports the mental health and wellness of all young children!
(paraphrased from Angela Pruess- Parents with Confidence)
