Children Learn from Play

Children develop important skills and learn about their world through play. It sounds like an adage, or plain common sense, but childhood obesity and social problems have become headlines in the media.

When they are toddlers, kids learn from all types of simple games: hitting a ball in the front yard, building forts out of bed sheets, making LEGO structures not dictated by instructions, or playing catch with a beach ball. All their drawings and paintings are ways they express their view of the world around them, and their outlook on life. Preschool games teach cooperation, taking turns, and the give and take in friendships.

The beginning of another school year means the beginning of fall sports, like football, soccer, basketball and golf. And, with increased homework looming over both of my children’s heads, I know signing them up to participate in an extracurricular activity is not going to be easy. Team and individual sports create friendships outside the classroom. According to the University of Florida, sports help children in their studies through communicating, problem solving and plain old getting along with each other.

After years of playing individual and team sports, I understand the importance of working toward a common goal and task, whether individually or with a small group of co-workers. This experience gives me the confidence to approach strangers and be approached by strangers at business networking functions (when I was in a corporate environment), and not feel awkward or out-of-place.

I try to keep my kids away from technology as much as possible, a challenge for almost all parents. And, a child on a playing field is in front of the TV less than one that is not. Participation in an organized sport, or even an impromptu neighborhood game, has physical benefits for children. Keeping our kids active in sports, even though it may stretch us thin at times, is important to their growth and development.