Most people know just how essential play is for the little ones. It’s just as important for adults to engage in play from time to time, though, as it’s a way of disengaging from the stressors of the world and enjoying a time of pure connectivity and imagination. In this article, learn about the importance of play for all ages, from kids to fully grown adults.
The 5 Benefits of Playing for Kids
Children will often naturally play independently, particularly when they’re in an environment with the right toys, whether small animal figurines, puzzles, or coloring books. However, adults must also encourage further play, as it helps them develop and become more well-rounded. Here are some reasons why.
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Improved Social Skills
Everyone wants their child to grow up with good social skills, which means connecting with the world and the people around them.
Play is an excellent way to practice and improve various social skills, including verbal and non-verbal communication. That is especially true when playtime is shared, allowing children to learn the best ways to communicate with their peers. There are even studies to back this up, with multiple programs showing that play has extremely positive effects on social development.
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Developed Creativity and Imagination
Playing allows kids to untangle from their immediate environment, whether at school, kindergarten, or home. During play, they can let their imaginations run wild, which develops their creativity.
With animal toys, they can create a world in the midst of Madagascar; with their soft block toys, they can build cities only accessible in the wildest of visions.
Over time, the kid’s creativity will develop even further, lending itself to other areas of life, whether storytelling, painting, or simply expressing themselves.
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Greater Motor Skills
Children are learning how to be people, which takes some time, especially regarding movement. Playtime allows them to develop their motor skills.
During playing opportunities, kids will start refining both their fine and gross motor skills, building their strength and dexterity as they go. There are specific toys that are particularly helpful for this, such as play-dough, shape blocks, and wheel toys.
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More Understanding of the World
Being a child is intense, exciting, and unusual all at the same time – they are only experiencing this planet for the very first time, after all! Certain toys are great for allowing children to learn about the world around them. TOOBS miniature figurines, for example, give children access to various exciting toy insects, pets, wild animals, boats, and even organs!
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Increased Curiosity
Understanding fosters further curiosity. Playtime enables children to think more deeply about the world around them, especially when playing with toys that depict things like nature, cities, and people. This exploration during playtime makes the child even more curious, which in turn leads to more excitement for learning.
Overall, playtime helps a child understand how to be a more understanding, caring, creative, social, and knowledgeable person in the world around them. Is that not what every parent wants?
What About Adults?
Who says playing is only for children? It’s true that more kids play with toys as a way to take in the world around them, developing their cognitive, mental, and social skills while they are at it. At the same time, many adults find benefits from carving out time in their busy lives to let go of adult-focused responsibilities and simply play.
Here are some positive benefits of engaging in play as an adult.
Reduced Stress
The world is not always easy. Most adults have work to go to and more responsibilities at home, such as paying the bills or looking after their kids. Play is a great way to get away from that for a while.
Whether playing board games with friends, playing outside, or visiting a sports club, adults who play experience a genuine reduction in stress. This is because it triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, creating a sense of relaxation and overall well-being. Plus, the activities that involve physical activity can further reduce stress thanks to the addition of exercise.
Improved Physical Health
It’s not all about the mental benefits – playtime for adults can often improve their physical health, too. This is usually when the playtime involves some sort of physical activity, whether dancing, swimming, paddleboarding, or playing soccer with friends.
Adults need exercise to be healthy, as it helps manage weight, prevents certain diseases, and boosts overall energy levels. Playing is an easy and exciting way to reap all those benefits.
A Chance for Social Connection
For some, socializing as an adult is not as easy as it was when they were kids, as children have inherent structures that help them form social bonds (such as school and clubs). As an adult, it is easy to become swept up in the business of modern life without spending enough time connecting with others.
That’s another reason playing is so helpful – it gives adults a greater chance of bonding with their peers. Playing board games, attending role-playing events, solving puzzles, and playing sports can all be done with other people, fostering stronger social connections. This is essential, as it promotes a feeling of belonging. Adults who have good social ties often feel more valued.
Find the Best Toys for Play Today
There is no denying that playtime is a crucial part of both children's and adults' lives. Of course, the play itself probably looks quite different. For example, children are more likely to play with figurines, soft blocks, and playhouses. On the other hand, adults are likely to engage in activities like sports, board games, dancing, and puzzles. Both, however, stimulate the mind and improve cognitive abilities for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Do you want to give your child more opportunities for play? At Safari LTD, we have a brilliant range of high-quality toys that help boost social, cognitive, and motor skills in kids. Browse our range of Good Luck Mini Figures, plush toys, and arts and crafts today!
