By: Jason Riccardi When someone says the word “play” we immediately conjure images of children playing stickball in a dirt lot, or children playing in castles slaying the fire-breathing dragon. Sometimes we even recall memories of building blocks and making forts from spare sheets and blankets. The former of those two forms of play has…
We often think of play as simply something fun and entertaining, but it is far more than that. Play is an extremely powerful force on child development – helping children learn important life skills such as problem-solving, negotiation and communication, creative and critical thinking, empathy, and emotional regulation. Let’s explore some of these ways that play can help build the foundation for these essential life skills.
Even before the popularization of the toy industry, children have always found ways to play. Sticks, rocks, and pinecones became the fuel for imaginations to run wild. While toys have certainly evolved, the core need to play has stayed the same.
