Eurokids sec-141 What Is Play? Play is nothing but engaging in certain games and activities that can help develop and improve a child’s skills. In today’s world, many researchers have even identified many benefits linked to games and education. This is why there are educational games and games have been included in the purview of a tool of education. Simple games tend to engage kids and help them study better. Did you know that even most life lessons are taught on the playground? Values like sportsmanship, empathy, kindness and love can be brilliantly demonstrated through a fair game of football. There is no doubt that games play a vital role in moulding a child and transforming him into a healthy and responsible citizen. Benefits Of Play Before delving into an ocean without any safety gear, let’s have a look at the benefits of play before we understand and study the need for observing kids at play. You might be wondering if there are a few or any benefits of play for kids. Thankfully for you, we’re here to tell you that there are in fact, many benefits of play for kids. Physical development This is perhaps one of the most obvious benefits of play for kids. As kids engage in playing games, they engage in physical activity that is vital to their growth and development from a physical standpoint. When engaging in simple playful activities involving skipping, running and jumping, children are not only developing gross motor skills and coordination but are also strengthening their muscles, joints and bones. In the long run, kids who engage in many physical activities from a young age are less prone to cardiovascular disease in the future. However, the onus falls on the parents and caregivers to promote and encourage a safe atmosphere for play. Cognitive development It’s not an uncommon fact that children learn from their environment and immediate surroundings. It is through play that curiosity, creativity, imagination, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed and sharpened. Indoor as well as outdoor play both contribute to facilitating speedy cognitive development in tiddlers. Playing with building blocks or kicking a ball at a playground all contribute to the development of cognition in your little ones. By providing them with opportunities and ground rules, they not only become more aware but also more responsible. This sense of responsibility can only come from those who understand, and understanding only comes to those who have achieved a certain level of cognitive development. Social development Taking your kids to a playground and exposing tahem to various other children and games, develops their social skills. This plays a vital role in determining how your kid will grow up to be. It is a good idea to expose them to different social play setups to ensure that when they grow up, they become accustomed to it and social interaction. While you must keep a watchful eye over your kid, it is also important for you to leave him or her to explore for themselves at the playground. Emotional development Managing one’s emotions has become a matter of great concern in the world in which we presently live. One of the major reasons for this is because suicide rates are soaring high., However, through play, if we teach our kids to manage pressure, we could change the trajectory of where life is headed for future generations. On the field and playground, kids can be taught to celebrate victories and also accept defeat. Part of life is learning to accept failure and move on. If this is inculcated in the life of a kid as early as possible, children will be equipped with the tools to better manage emotions better in life.