When we remember our countless happy hours at playgrounds as children, we remember the fun we had, the friends we made and the worlds we created. We don’t often think about the developmental milestones we achieved.
In the journal Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that play is “so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.” (https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/119/1/182/70699/The-Importance-of-Play-in-Promoting-Healthy-Child) When kids play, they improve their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Each of these areas of development are important for children to help them develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults.
Physical Development
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one in five U.S. children and adolescents are obese(https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html) and roughly half of U.S. adults live with one or more chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/php/about/index.html) Lack of movement is one reason why so many people experience obesity. Play, while not a unilateral solution, is a fun and powerful ally in the fight against obesity and the diseases, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, that are associated with it. Outdoor play gets us moving in a low-pressure environment and because it is low-pressure, includes a variety of ages and doesn’t feel like exercise, people are more likely to continue their play journey.
Not only does active play help reduce obesity and the risk of developing chronic disease, but it also lays the groundwork for children to build lifelong healthy habits. As they run, climb and jump, they are improving balance and coordination, boosting their energy levels, strengthening their muscles and discovering the joy of an active lifestyle.
Cognitive (Mental) Development
The benefits of play go deeper than physical fitness. Texas Christian University’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development notes that play has many benefits for the brain because it “engages children in activities that promote cognitive development.” (https://child.tcu.edu/play/#sthash.ovQtfBdy.dpbs)
In other words, as they play, children are problem-solving, collaborating, innovating and learning how to be flexible. They also are exercising their creativity as they bring new roles, stories and worlds to life.
Social Development
Through games, storytelling and world-building, children also build the social skills necessary to successfully navigate group dynamics. That means learning how to listen, read social cues, resolve conflicts and effectively communicate their own ideas, thoughts and feelings.
The Harvard Graduate School of Education observes that these skills are essential for developing empathy. (https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/18/06/summertime-playtime#:~:text=Emotional%20development%3A%20Especially%20in%20social,lead%20and%20when%20to%20follow.) Together, they will help young people build and maintain healthy relationships as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.
Emotional Development
TCU’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development also points out that play removes barriers to healthy development such as fear, anxiety and stress. (https://child.tcu.edu/play/#sthash.ovQtfBdy.dpbs) AAP and UCLA Health agree, noting that play relieves stress and the symptoms of both depression and ADHD. (https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20182058/38649/The-Power-of-Play-A-Pediatric-Role-in-Enhancing, https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/benefits-of-outdoor-play-for-children)
Indeed, play is a natural way for children to process and manage their emotions. Playgrounds, in particular, offer a supportive environment where they can connect with peers, unleash their creativity, boost their confidence and, perhaps most importantly, build resilience.
Explore the ways Buell can provide play and movement for all spaces. You also can contact your Buell representative to discuss your specific needs.