In 2017, I was asked by the American Affiliate of the International Association for the Child’s Right to Play (IPA) to write an article for one of their journals on play. With pleasure I took the opportunity to record some of my observations in various parts of the world of children playing and the significance of that play and why play matters.
Actually, play is an important factor in a child’s development.
Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers) used to say, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
Not only does it give many opportunities for children to learn but it is physically helpful to our overall body functioning. It’s fun, children smile and laugh showing their enjoyment.
According to various psychologists, smiles can positively impact our mood, immunity, stress, and overall health. It can also have similar results on the person to whom you are smiling.
So – find many opportunities for your children to play! It will support their overall development and may also help someone else.
Excerpt from my article:
The Healing Power of Play
Beryl Cheal
Mental health professionals tell us that children who go through traumatic or very stressful experiences will experience a myriad of uncomfortable feelings that result in behavioral issues. Children don’t intend to respond in those ways; those are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. Fortunately, however, mental health professionals tell us that play can help heal some of those responses. Through formalized play or even informal play activities, with the help of caring adults, many recover. Life will never be the same for these children, but often these resilient survivors live very normal and creative lives. Some even excel, transforming the tragedies of their experiences into motivation to take advantage of learning opportunities
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