Why play is important article by Dina Ghorayeb

You, as a parent, help your child with her play.

You set up the environment for her in such a way so she could explore and manipulate.

You help her discover the world.

Engaging your children in play is a very important developmental component of growing up.

Social skills and imagination are learned through play.

When your child plays during the first five years of her life, she develops vital learning processes that will help her in all aspects of learning achievements later in life.

It does not matter what kind of play your child engages in.

It could be playing in a sand box at a playground, running around in the neighbourhood, splashing in a swimming pool, building towers with blocks , playing with commercial toys... Your child is learning through those experiences.

Do not limit the time your child could spend playing. Turn the TV off and let your child play. It will only benefit her.

Remember that your child is unique and that each child will develop differently than another child.

Watch your child play and notice the many skills she is learning. She is developing fine and gross motor skills.

She is also building the foundation for imaginative play and social pragmatic skills. She is also learning decision-making and learning how to concentrate, observe and explore.

Play should always be fun for your child. Your child can play alone or with other peers, which, in turn, will develop her social skills.

It is also extremely important that you, the parent, play with your child so that your child learns from your input.

Your child brain is developing at a fast pace, so do not lose the opportunity to nurture her now.

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