Psychology

Exercising is crucial for the human wellbeing. I t helps in physical, mental, social and emotional development. While adults are keen on different forms of exercises, children often find their form of exercise in playing. Children in general, have an inborn tendency to play. Recent research shows, play influences the childs ability to survive and thrive in the society.

Play is work for children and it is as important as studies. The American Academy of Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent- Child Bonds states that play allows children to use creativity for development of dexterity, cognition and emotional strength. It helps them in the development of large and small muscles. In younger children, plays like coloring and painting develops the fine motor skills. According to Maria Montessori, structured and unstructured play activities are important for a wholesome development of the child. Structured play helps in development of physical fitness whereas unstructured play helps in creativity and imagination.

Play is a cherished part of childhood that has various benefits and parents should encourage children to engage and participate. However, there are multiple reasons in the present era for lack of play time. As we aim for an optimal growth for our children, it is mandatory that we include play along with academics and other skill developments. We need an extensive research in this area to plan the importance of play and teaching parents the importance of play along with academics. Additional research is required in the area of how to organize play (unstructured play) as part of daily routine along with academics and structured skill development.