Ready to Play

There is an incredible amount of play and learning ideas generated and shared through social media at the moment. This can be brilliant for giving ideas but can also make parents feel a bit overwhelmed and as if they are not doing enough. It can also feel as though parents need to have an endless supply of materials and resources with which to play. The main thing is to make space for play every day.

We know that play is a life-enhancing experience. Play builds children’s capacity to thrive despite stress and adversity in their lives. “Just playing” can help build more resilient children.

Play builds health and wellbeing – being active through play helps children physically and emotionally, contributing to their health and happiness.

Play supports brain development and a range of learning skills.

Play builds resilience – playing boosts children’s confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and perseverance, enabling them to cope with stress and challenges throughout life.

As they grow and develop, play offers children the opportunity to develop a range of physical, emotional and social skills, helping them make sense of the world they find themselves in.

Play builds concentration - allowing children the time and freedom to play freely, completing their chosen activities in their own time and to their own satisfaction, and it promotes the development of concentration and attention.

Play supports language development - the evidence demonstrates the importance of play in the development of language skills, problem solving, gaining perspective, representational skills, memory and creativity. Children learn to see things in different ways and from others point of view, representational skills and imaginative play where for example a spoon becomes a hair brush, memory and creativity.

Playing with arts and crafts gives children the opportunity to develop finger and hand muscles and fine motor skills required for hand-writing.

There are lots of ways to adapt games so no-one is left out, and children are often really good at finding their own solutions to this. Although it is important that no one feels left out all the time, children don’t always have to play together all the time either and it can be difficult to manage this. With older children, having some time for everyone to do their own thing is important, and adults shouldn’t feel the need create ideas to amuse or occupy children all of the time. Make an “ideas pot” and allow children to create their own activities.

Even if you can’t get out much at the moment, it is important for children to go outside for some time every day. There are lots of benefits, even if it is only for a short time. When you go outside, please bear in mind current social distancing guidance and wash your hands when you come in.

Being in nature can reduce negative feelings such as anger and stress. Being outside makes you feel better and at the same time actually contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones. So pretty good for stressed out parents as well as for the children!

Children need contact with the natural world to support their health and development and build resilience – even if it is for a short time daily. It is sometimes difficult to make this seem like fun for children when they are used to being in the house.

Get a bit more nature into your day – some everyday tips for playing outside:

• dress for the weather! If children can stay warm and dry they will be happier outside
• stop to look at a view or up to the sky
• play I spy or go on a ‘bear hunt’
• take up stargazing! Can you see pictures in the stars?
• how about an evening walk with the children? Some parents find an evening walk is a great way to settle down in the evening, making for a better night’s sleep and chance to talk

Children need lots of opportunities for repetition so don’t be afraid to do activities more than once!

• First 5 Resources for Parents
• Let's Play Ireland
• Safefood Active Play ideas