PLAY comes naturally to children. Any parent would attest to that. More importantly, children will find opportunities to play with anything.
When my daughter was a toddler, I would plonk her at the table with a basketful of my make-up and toiletries. She would spend a good hour examining each bottle or jar, rearranging and stacking them up in different ways, and talking out loud as she did so, completely absorbed in the activity.
Sometimes, I would let her play with a pail of water (supervised, of course) and a couple of paper cups, and she would be fully occupied, filling the cups and pouring water from one cup to another, thoroughly enjoying herself.
As she grew, feather dusters became magic wands, shawls turned into superhero capes and blankets morphed into mysterious secret caves.
Despite being an only child, I find that she can play happily on her own if she has the right tools or toys, but throw another child into the mix and it's always better.
Play is an essential component in early childhood development and it shapes the way a child grows.
ENRICHING A CHILD
The best kind of play is one that enriches a child, is joyful and helps push the child to the next developmental stage, says Hospital Tunku Azizah developmental paediatrician, Dr Charlotte Jane Joseph.
But playtime should take place in the right environment, she adds.
"You don't put a child somewhere and then constantly say don't touch that or don't do that. It has to be a 'Yes' rather than a 'No' environment," says Dr Charlotte.
Speaking at the launch of the Fisher-Price Play Lab Pop Up in Sunway Pyramid, she explains that play is crucial in the learning process and it brings together both sides of the brain — the logical and the creative.
This has been backed by neuroscience studies which show that joint interactive play with a doll literally "lights up" different parts of the brain.
The first five years of life are the golden years when there's rapid brain development. So play is crucial at this stage. In fact, zero screen time and more play is best for children below 5 years old.
Dr Charlotte says putting a young child in front of the screen to keep him or her occupied is the lowest level of play while the highest level is interactive play with a doll or toy. Each toy is actually an educational tool.
"Parents often think 'I've given my child a tablet or device to play with and he's happy' but that is not play."
Dr Charlotte adds that today, we are seeing an increasing number of children with speech delay, both in Malaysia and in other countries, because very young children are spending too much time alone in front of the screen.
Sunway University head of the department of psychology, Dr Woo Pei Jun, agrees.
She explains that play gives children the opportunity to learn about the world. It is their way of figuring out how the world works.
Through play, children indirectly improve motor skills, learn language, are exposed to colours and numbers, learn how to be independent, make decisions or solve problems.
"Play is amazing. It allows children to build confidence and it facilitates social, emotional, physical and cognitive development."
THE POWER OF PLAY
Dr Charlotte says parents often underestimate the power of play even though it has multiple, long-term benefits. Play starts the moment a child is born. It's an innate phenomenon in a child. Every child knows how to play.
"Play starts at home and the best play for a child is playing with a parent because it fosters good relationships. It binds the family together," she says.
It's important for parents to make time for play. At different ages, there are different types of play and parents have to be tuned in to their child's needs and work from there.
Woo agrees. Select age-appropriate toys and activities for children, she says. More importantly, as parents, be fully focused and involved with your children during play.
Do not allow distractions such as phones. Children are well aware when adults are not paying attention or fully involved, she stresses.
"As parents, it's important that you create a safe space that supports play and also lets them explore the world."
Fast Facts
*Different types of play bring different benefits so keep it varied.
*Reduce screen time, increase playtime
*Be involved in your child's play but let him or her take the lead.
* A variety of toys is beneficial as it builds curiosity and develops creativity.
*Too many toys at the same time is distracting and doesn't let the child focus.
*Consider rotating toys so children remain engaged and interested.
*Don't conduct a lesson/keep questioning the child during playtime. Keep it fun and let learning take place naturally.
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