When children play, they don’t just do that. Whether it is in your backyard, home, or in playgrounds, it is more than merely just ‘play’. The truth is it’s a time that should be valued and appreciated for the benefits it brings for children. When your children play, they develop many skills and strengths.
What is your child trying to tell you through playing?
Mum, I am balancing!
I am working hard to control my balance. It makes my core muscles strong. And this means I can sit at the table properly to draw and write, or I can stand to paint or use tools at a workbench.
Look at me, I’m climbing.
I am pulling myself up, and this works strengthening my shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. If I want to be a writer my shoulders need to be strong. My hands and fingers need to be strong, so I can grip my pencil or use scissors and other tools safely.
I went running.
Me and my friends made up a game, and we are playing it together in a cooperative way and using our imagination. We are using our coordination to move swiftly and my spatial awareness to make sure I don’t crash.
Mummy, I am exercising my whole body.
This will keep me fit, helping to create a positive attitude to exercise and begin a lifelong habit of looking after my body. Every child needs access to outside spaces that encourage a range of movements while encouraging them to be active and take safe risks. If you have space in your backyard, why not add your own playground so that your child can access it whenever they want?
Also, read our article 5 Benefits of Dance Classes for Kids to find out a fun way to get your child to exercise.
Playnation has a huge range to choose from, including 15 years warranty and they will deliver and install your playground for free. We particularly like this Playnation Cavalier Swing Set setup, it isn’t too big but it ticks all the right boxes and has so many great features like a climbing rope for hand strength, a ladder for coordination, a swing for vestibular stimulation, a steering wheel for creative play and so much more.
