Get started with play: pass on the power to even the youngest kids

We’ve always believed that play is a superpower. But, just like all those with superpowers, sometimes even the youngest of heroes can take a little nudging.

That’s why we’re encouraging parents and caregivers to kids of all ages to get the games going and to encourage the unstoppable power of play.

Now, we get it, you’re busy! You’re juggling work and life, and many other aspects of life, so it might not seem like you can find the time to play. But a little goes a long way, and if you can dedicate time to playing with your kids, they will see a huge range of benefits. And, who knows, you might too! Playing together not only helps kids develop fundamental IQ and EQ skills in their early years, but it benefits adults, too – mentally, physically, socially and creatively!

Here are some other great reasons, as well as some of the hidden benefits, of parents starting the play!

Let’s start building motor skills

Play is all about having fun, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that there isn’t development going on as well. In fact, the way kids interact with the objects, toys and world around them can subtly be helping them to build and develop fine motor skills. Hand and finger strength, precision and even hand-eye coordination can all be built and practiced safely through play. Pretend you’re a crab picking up shells on the beach, pretend you’re a shop assistant looking for that perfect piece of fruit. It all adds up in the end.

Let’s start building confidence

There are no limits to play except for the imagination. That means that kids can be whatever they want to be and do whatever they can dream of. Encouraging them to think big and validating their choices can help to develop confidence in themselves and their tastes. This will help them to trust themselves later, when their confronted with choices that might have meaning for their lives.

Let’s start building imagination

Kids are masters of using their imaginations. In fact, in many ways they have imaginative capacities that can even outdo those of adults, who have sometimes learned to limit their wildest dreams in favour of practical realities. Celebrate and encourage your kids to be as wildly imaginative as they can and you’ll develop their creativity and their horizons. These are vital skills that they’ll use later in life. A tablecloth can be a Princess dress or a superheroes cloak, or your sofa can be a ship traversing an ocean. If you can think it, you can play it! This will be great for kids, but it might also help adults unlock some of the imagination that they’ve learned to keep hidden.

Let’s start building independence

As kids grow, they start to stand on their own two feet. This isn’t just a metaphor though, soon they will be going off and exploring the world alone. This can be scary for them (and probably for you), and playtime is the perfect place to try it out safely. Encourage your kids to play alone, to learn how to be with themselves and how to develop their individuality through their playtime activities. Then, later one, they’ll find that they’re more comfortable thinking and acting independently.

Let’s start building stories

At the centre of all of this is stories. Whether you’re roleplaying as pirates or remembering a trip you took in the past, you’re helping to build your child’s internal narrative and develop a love of stories. And if there is one thing that makes play better, it is a good story. They can be the hero, and you can be the villain; you can need rescuing and they’re there to save you; or you could be two friends going shopping. But when you start to frame your playtimes as stories, you’ll see their engagement start to go up.

Let’s start building

Play has the power to transform the everyday into the amazing, and the unmemorable into the unforgettable! And along the way you can develop a whole host of skills and qualities that will serve your kids for the rest of their lives.

Now, it’s over to you to be bold and start building stories, scenarios and activities that your kids will remember forever. Are you ready to start playing?