Contrary to popular belief, playtime is more than just a way to keep the little ones busy – it's a powerhouse of development and growth. Understanding the profound impact of play, especially between parents and children from birth to three years old, is essential. The LEGO Foundation knows this well, championing the incredible power of learning through play to spark creativity, engagement, and a lifelong love of learning. Here are 13 reasons why play is a serious matter and its critical importance during early childhood. P.S. we’ve added a printable format of this blog with coloring sections for you and your child to learn and play together! Download it here!

1. Parents as First Playmates and Teachers 

From birth to age three, kids spend most of their time at home with parents or primary caregivers. This is the perfect time for parents to kickstart learning through play, setting a foundation that lasts well beyond the early years. 

2. Unique Parent-Child Bond 

The relationship between a parent and child is unparalleled and significant. Through consistent positive interactions, this bond is established and strengthened, contributing to the child’s socioemotional and cognitive skill development, as well as emotional wellbeing. 

3. Development of Fundamental Skills 

Early interactions, including play, help children develop crucial skills such as self-regulation, theory of mind, and language abilities. These skills are essential for becoming creative, engaged, lifelong learners. 

4. Emotional Wellbeing and Secure Attachment 

Secure attachment, formed through positive interactions and playful experiences, is vital for a child’s emotional wellbeing. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a healthy emotional state. 

5. Responsive Caregiving 

The Nurturing Care for Early Child Development framework emphasizes the importance of responsive caregiving. Play and communication activities between caregivers and children foster a nurturing environment essential for high-quality early childhood experiences. 

6. Opportunities for Early Learning 

Simple games, eye contact, talking, and singing during parent-child play offer early learning opportunities. These activities help children understand social interactions and explore the physical properties of objects, promoting cognitive development. 

7. Security and Safety 

Consistent positive interactions during play help children feel safe and secure in their relationships with their parents. This sense of safety is crucial for forming secure attachments and building familiarity and warmth. 

8. Joyful Interactions 

Joyful play, such as peek-a-boo or other amusing activities, allows children to experience happiness and excitement. These interactions teach children to regulate their emotions and understand the joy of accomplishing tasks. 

9. Active Engagement 

Parents can enhance their child’s engagement in play by elaborating on activities and providing multisensory stimulation. This active engagement supports fine and gross motor development and keeps the child absorbed in the activity. 

10. Meaningful Play 

Early play helps children make sense of their world. For instance, pretend play allows children to practice real-life actions and understand the meaning of objects and activities relevant to their cultural context. 

11. Iterative Play 

Young children love repetitive play, such as filling and emptying containers. This iterative play helps them experiment and understand cause-and-effect relationships, fostering problem-solving skills. 

12. Socially Interactive Play 

Socially interactive play, where parents and children take on roles and work together, teaches teamwork, communication, and negotiation. These skills are fundamental for successful social relationships and lifelong interactions. 

13. Holistic Skill Development 

Early social interactions form neural connections in the brain, supporting cognitive and motor development. Responsive caregiving during play activities positively affects a child’s vocabulary, spatial understanding, and ability to understand others’ minds. 

What Parents Get Out of It 

It’s not just the kids who score big with play – parents stand to gain a lot as well! Playtime strengthens those family bonds, builds trust, and gives parents a deeper understanding of their children. Plus, it’s a stellar way for parents to unwind, recharge, and tap into their own creativity. 

Conclusion 

The first three years of life are absolutely crucial for a child’s development, and parent-child play is at the center of it all. These playful interactions aren’t just fun – they’re essential for building secure attachments, emotional wellbeing, and vital life skills. Embracing the importance of play and making it a staple in early childhood practices can profoundly shape a child’s development. This is why play is a serious matter that needs to be on everyone’s radar. 

13 Tips for Playful Parenting 

Here are some tips to help you get started and make the most of those precious play moments with little ones: 

1. Follow Your Child's Lead Let your child guide the play. Observe their interests and join in on their games. This not only makes playtime more enjoyable for them but also helps you understand their world better. 

2. Create a Safe and Inviting Play Space Set up a play area that is safe and filled with age-appropriate toys and materials. A well-organized, inviting space encourages exploration and creativity. 

3. Be Present and Engaged Put away distractions like phones and focus on your child. Being fully present shows them that playtime is important to you, strengthening your bond. 

4. Incorporate Play into Daily Routines Turn everyday activities into playful moments. Sing songs while getting dressed, play "I spy" during car rides, or make up stories while cooking together. 

5. Encourage Imaginative Play Provide props like costumes, kitchen sets, or building blocks to spark your child’s imagination. Join in their pretend play and let your creativity shine too! 

6. Get Active Together Physical play is great for development and bonding. Have a dance party, play tag, or go on a nature walk. Active play promotes motor skills and healthy habits. 

7. Read and Tell Stories Reading books and telling stories can be incredibly playful. Use different voices, act out scenes, and let your child predict what happens next to keep them engaged. 

8. Use Everyday Items for Play Sometimes the best toys are not toys at all. Household items like pots and pans, cardboard boxes, and old clothes can become amazing tools for imaginative play. 

9. Encourage Social Play Arrange playdates or family play sessions to help your child develop social skills. Playing with others teaches cooperation, sharing, and empathy. 

10. Celebrate the Mess Play can get messy, and that's okay! Embrace the chaos and focus on the fun and learning happening. Cleaning up can even be part of the play. 

11. Be Playful Yourself Show your playful side. Laugh, be silly, and enjoy the moment. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and make playtime more enjoyable for both you and your child. 

12. Adapt to Your Child’s Mood If your child seems tired or overwhelmed, opt for calm, soothing play like drawing or reading. Adjusting to their mood ensures play remains a positive experience. 

13. Make Time for Play Life is busy, but carving out regular time for play shows your child they are a priority. Even short, frequent play sessions can have a big impact. 

Remember, playful parenting isn't about doing it perfectly—it's about connecting, having fun, and learning together. So, let loose, get creative, and enjoy these special moments with your child! 

For additional reading, visit the learning through play site to discover the power of playful parenting.

In partnership with LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, ISSA is committed to protecting children's right to play. Together, we are supporting parents and caregivers to engage in Playful Parenting.