Positive Parenting - Play can be a positive influence on development

FROM A very early age, play is important in the development of the brain. It supports the development of attention, concentration, motor skills, social skills and language. Play also helps children to build their resilience which allows for a more secure view of themselves and the world.

Play is a key feature in helping children learn about emotions as well as how to manage them. Despite the research that confirms for us the crucial role of play in child development, in today’s technology-led world, play is unfortunately being regularly swapped out for screens and devices.

There are different types of play, these include; physical, social, constructive, fantasy, games with rules. Physical play is important for movement, balance, as well as staying healthy and active. Social play promotes development of social skills such as sharing, taking turns and developing language skills.

Constructive play helps children with their cognitive development with use of maths, shapes, distance and sizes as children build, create and explore. Fantasy play promotes use of imagination and is good for communication skills, social and emotional development, perspective taking, as well as an understanding of how the world works. Play or games with rules help children develop socio-emotional skills. This means children learn to negotiate, cooperate, resolve conflicts, win and lose, and learn about fairness and justice.

Children today have far greater access to and use of technology and devices than ever before. Children younger than two years old are regularly accessing screens. Screen use in children includes television, tablet, smartphone, desktop or laptop, and gaming devices. This increased use of screens reduces children’s exposure to vital areas of play such as outdoor/physical play, imaginative/pretend play, and in person social interactions. As highlighted previously these areas of play are essential for numerous areas of child development and various skills needed throughout life.

With all this said, controlled and limited screen use has a place, and can actually aid in play, particularly with older children. Some apps and games that challenge children in a developmentally appropriate way can promote learning and critical thinking skills in children.

Playing some games on devices can help with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For children who find in-person socialising a challenging and demanding experience, technology can offer an alternative platform for interaction, where there otherwise may not be any. Bear in mind, socialising via devices should always be carefully monitored by adults to ensure safety.

For many parents, the challenge today is to secure and maintain the important and central role that play has in a technology dominated world. We cannot eliminate screens from children’s lives and they do have their role. However, it is vital that screen use is balanced with outdoor play that encourages activity and wellbeing; constructive play which supports cognitive development; in person social play which supports the development of social skills; and imaginative play which promotes creativity and learning about the world.

The Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service in Limerick is delivering an online workshop on The Power of Supporting Your Child’s Cognitive, Emotional and Social Development through Play on Thursday, November 28 from 10am to 11.30am. If you would like to attend contact the psychology assistant on 087-3451489 who will record some of your basic information for registration. Registration closes on Tuesday, November 26 at 11am. Go to www.limerickservices.ie/ parenting-courses for more information.

This article was written by Elisha Minihan, Psychology Assistants with the Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service, St Camillus’ Hospital, Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support services across Limerick city and county.