The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in their clinical report, “The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children,” confirm the fact that by sharing playtime with children and encouraging them to play several games, many parents have unlocked the key to strengthening their bond with their kids and raise stronger and brighter children.
And that’s the most important thing on every parent’s priority list. Right?
In fact, research shows that children who indulge themselves in outdoor activities and playing games tend to have better planning, organizing, and decision-making skills than the ones who are glued to their smartphones and electronics all day long.
From peek-a-boo to board games and hopscotch to ping-pong, children learn something from every game. Therefore, here are some ways how playing games can enrich your child’s brain, physique, and life. Let’s begin!
- Enhanced social skills
It is a well-known fact that developing socially and emotionally is a critical part of preparing the children for the upcoming phases of life, such as having a career, starting a family, or tackling relationships. While theoretical and academic knowledge is good for gaining knowledge and getting good grades, playing, sports and games can actually be a fun way for healthy social and emotional development.
Unlike adults, children are better at making friends. But not all of them. Some kids prefer to sit in a room with their books or video games and like cutting them off from the outside world. But that’s not healthy.
They need to learn how to interact with people, share their thoughts and inculcate other social skills. And that’s where sports and games can help. It is observed that children who participate in sports and play games tend to have better interactive, social, and communication skills.
Games like basketball, soccer, and baseball are really good at teaching the kids the importance of teamwork and fair play. They also learn how to compromise, listen and respect the rules.
- Boosts growth and coordination
You’ll be surprised to know the rate of obesity amongst young children has doubled in the past 25 years. That’s depressing! And the epidemic will continue to increase if young children aren’t made aware of the importance of proper nutrition and exercise.
Helping children grow physically is one of the most obvious benefits of playing games. They develop gross motor skills and encourage movement by supporting balance and dexterity. According to health experts, kids and teenagers who take a keen interest in sports and games have unmatchable energy, stamina, reflexes, and flexibility.
Games such as ping-pong help the kids to develop hand-eye coordination, burn calories and improve balance. You can also use this game to strengthen your bond with your kids. You can consider getting a ping-pong table for the backyard and take out some time to practice with your children. In fact, by going through with this idea, you can easily add an entertainment source to your poolside area. Not to mention that your children would love to have their friends around for some game sessions.
- Develop cognitive skills
Not many people are aware of it, but kids who love spending time playing different sports have better report cards than the ones who don’t. According to prominent child psychologists, playing games and sports improves mood, and when kids feel better, they can concentrate on their academic life better.
Scientifically speaking, when children get themselves indulged in sports, it promotes their cardiovascular fitness, which in turn improves the blood circulation in the brain by promoting the growth of new blood vessels.
In simple words, sports and games promote healthy brain development amongst kids. They help in reinforcing memory and helping those little brains analyze the concept of cause and effect. They learn how to fit everything together by using their senses, guts, and curiosity. And let’s not avoid the fact that these skills are considered the foundation of cognitive development.
Board games such as chess and monopoly can actually promote intellectual skills in children. In fact, simple creative and open-ended games such as charades, Jenga, and 20 questions allow them to focus, brainstorm and use their creativity- all at the same time. In fact, in some games, such as checkers, logic, and strategies is all that they need to win. And that’s how children develop problem-solving and reasoning skills.
To sum it all up!
By now, you might have gotten familiar with the fact that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Therefore, if you are worried about your children’s overall development, encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and play some indoor or outdoor games with their family and friends, and half of your work is already done.
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