Why “Just Playing” is The Best Way to Learn

Playing with your child is powerful stuff. It gives you time to talk together, express emotions, share feelings and build strong family connections.

Children can learn a lot about the world through play. It helps them develop into strong, healthy, and independent individuals. They learn to share and take turns, deal with disappointment, and think creatively – all essential skills they’ll need as they grow up.

It’s important to keep learning fun at a young age. It’s about doing the things with them they like. It’s not necessarily about what toys and games they have. You don’t need to spend a fortune on lots of things for them to play with. Children can have just as much fun from playing outside. The National Trust has a brilliant article on how to have fun with sticks – so simple!

Why is play important?

Play is an incredible way to build up those skills your children are going to need in later life. They learn to:

• Talk and listen to other people
• Understand social rules, like taking turns to do something
• Recognise their emotions, like feeling frustrated when they lose a game
• Try new things, explore and be curious
• Problem solve and cope with disappointment