As a parent, you know that kids are pretty good at entertaining themselves, especially when they’re little. Left to their own devices, they’ll sing, dance, create and play, even if they’re the only ones in the room. However, they’re also experts at playing with siblings and other kids their age. Together, they play pretend, make up stories and play games. But when was the last time you played with your child?
If you had to pause and think about it, it’s been too long.
The average American works 44 to 50 hours per week. And those with jobs in competitive industries work even more. In between work, chores, eating and sleeping, you may think there’s not much time left for play. But, in a world where humans are slaves to their work, play is more important than ever. Simply taking a few minutes each day to play with your child can be extremely beneficial for both your child and you.
- Reveals the Simple Things
Enjoy the simple things in life. Often, this advice is easier to give than to receive. The adult world is full of big careers and chores and problems. And, often, these big things are the focal point of every ounce of our attention. In the process of being caught up in them, we forget to notice all the simple things that make this life beautiful a dandelion, the way light streams through a window, the velvety softness of your cat’s fur.
But kids are tiny. And the things that we deem small, well, they’re your children’s whole world. The simple things are all they know. So get down on your hands and knees. Crawl around with your little one and get eye-level with the ants, the grass and the cracks in the sidewalk. Let them show you al the simple, little things you’ve been missing.
- Relieves Stress
Time spent playing outdoors relieves stress in kids. And, if you take the time to get outside, it can do the same for you. Because when you’re hanging upside down on a jungle gym or playing pretend with your little one, the worries and stress of the day tend to melt away. And all that’s left is laughter, smiles and pure joy.
Moreover, the time you spend worrying and stressing is time you will never get back. Instead of wasting it, use it as a time to play with your kids. Spend it making memories that you’ll look back and smile upon. Because twenty years from now, you won’t remember what you were stressing about that day, you’ll only remember your little one’s precious giggle as you pushed them on the swings.
- Encourages Creativity
As an adult, most of your day likely consists of a set routine. You wake up, go to work, follow the rules or instructions and go back home to bed. There isn’t much room in there for artistic expression. You simply show up and do your job. But kids have all the free time in the world and their creativity is endless. In the same way kids find their creative streak through play, you can discover your creativity as well.
Play pretend and use your imagination to make up scenarios and wild characters. Paint, draw and sing. Tell each other stories. No idea is too crazy and anything is possible. Soon, this playtime creativity will spill over into your work life, boosting your productivity levels and sparking fresh ideas. And doesn’t everyone want that?
- Prioritizes Physical Activity
Playing with your child also gives you a chance to get in some exercise each day. While it may not feel strenuous to climb the jungle gym or play catch with your kid, your body is still getting some much-needed movement. Jumping, running, swinging and crawling will get your blood pumping and your endorphins flowing. So you can skip the gym every now and then and opt to play with your little one instead.
Regular playdates also show your child that physical activity is important to living a happy, healthy life. When you play with them, you become an active role model. By watching you, they learn that sportsmanship, effort and fun are all important skills and aspects to developing into an adult. And, as they follow in your footsteps, they’ll be establishing a healthy lifestyle for themselves as well.
- Teaches You to Listen
With so many things vying for your attention every day, it can be difficult to sit down and completely focus on your child. Sure, listening to them talk about toy race cars or their favorite dinosaur for the umpteenth time today may not be your idea of a grand old time. But tuning them out isn’t the solution, either. Because, if your child has to fight for your attention over the small things, they likely won’t tell you about the big things as they grow older.
So, even if your kid’s idea of play is telling you all about pancakes, listen. Give them your undivided attention and do your very best to engage in the conversation with them. This will teach them that listening is just as important as talking and they’ll know you’re always there for them if they ever need to talk.
- Play Matters
In the past, you likely thought of play as frivolous, an activity that doesn’t amount to anything in the grand scheme of things. But now I hope you know that play matters for both you and your child. It’s a time to bond and deepen your relationship with one another, to make memories and simply let loose and have fun. Without play, life would be very boring, indeed.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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