If there’s one thing kids love to do, it’s play. Many children can spend hours and hours playing happily without getting bored. In addition to being a source of fun and entertainment, play actually offers more benefits than many of us realize. Play plays an important role when it comes to our children’s healthy development. Did you know that not all types of play are the same? One type of play that is essential to growth and development during childhood is called “creative play”.
Creative play plays a vital role in your little one’s overall development. This is a type of play that aids in our children’s physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing. Through creative play, youngsters develop important life skills, such as independence, decision-making, social skills, emotion regulation, and other skills that will help them succeed in the future.
As parents, we can expose our children to more opportunities for creative play. Don’t worry, coming up with ways to play creatively doesn’t have to be difficult! Read on for some tips you might find handy.
Allow more time for free play
Structured play can be beneficial when parents want to focus on a specific learning objective. However, free play is also just as important. Free play allows children the opportunity to explore and learn about the world around them. It helps boost cognitive development as children learn important problem-solving skills.
Make sure little one is given time to enjoy unstructured play. Let your child just run around the yard or the playground, interact with other kids, and enjoy playtime however he or she desires.
Don’t overwhelm children with too many toys
Having too many toys can actually be overstimulating or overwhelming for a child/ This may leave less room or opportunities for kids to use their imagination and creativity. Consider purging the toys that are unused in your home. Get rid of the ones that are broken or toys your child doesn’t play with anymore.
Additionally, it’s also better to invest in toys that are simpler instead of those that are noisy or brightly colored. Opt for educational toys or those that can help stimulate their imagination and cognitive skills.
Create an art corner
If your little one exhibits a penchant for arts and crafts, now is a great time to let your child channel his or her inner artist. Create a space dedicated to art activities. Provide your child with essential materials and supplies, such as crayons, paint, and chalk. Encourage children to let their creative juices flow as they create their own masterpieces. It’s also a good idea to dedicate a space to displaying their artwork.
Spend quality time together
As parents, we often wear many hats and juggle countless tasks and responsibilities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with our fast-paced lifestyle and sometimes we can lose focus on what matters most, which is our relationships with our kids.
Balancing the demands of work and home can be challenging, but spending adequate quality time with your little one is crucial. Not only is this important for cultivating a strong bond with your child. It can also help foster healthy overall development. Be sure to carve out time for your family and kids. Limit screen time and spend more time getting down on the floor to bond and play. Follow your child’s lead instead of imposing your own structure on how to play. Just engage and have fun!
Provide them with opportunities for rich experiences
Having a variety of life experiences is another key factor when it comes to cultivating creativity in kids. Make it a point to provide your little one with opportunities for new experiences from which they can draw knowledge and learn new things. Let your child explore new things and try new activities. Give your child the opportunity to try a new hobby, for instance. Or you might consider trying out a new baking recipe reading a new book together. Make time to try something new together, like visiting a zoo or new museum. Take a family trip to a theme park and try a new ride! Even try a new ice cream flavor together!
Encouraging creative play can benefit your child in many different ways. Engaging in creative play is an ongoing process. Follow these tips to provide your little one with opportunities for creative play. Doing so will help boost children’s creativity, imagination, and other skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond!
If you’re looking for a childcare center that focuses on your child’s holistic development, please contact Cornerstone Learning Center for more information.