Back in the older days, the young children were free to roam around, running, chasing, catching, throwing, kicking.  Most of them develop a well-balanced sense of physical ability without having to go through any classes.  However, with the evolving world, play is not longer something that a young child would be able to experience.

So why is Play important in a young growing child?  Play contributes to the development of a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Play also offers a good opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development and also helps to builds active, healthy bodies. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.

Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers. As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges.

Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills. When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue.

In fact, it has been suggested that encouraging unstructured play may be an exceptional way to increase physical activity levels in children, which is one important strategy in the resolution of the obesity epidemic. Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood.

So parents, do allow your child to play at least for half an hour each day so as to keep them developing and growing to the optimal or even better sign them up for ActiveSG Gymnastics Academy KinderGym Programme! This programme is a collaboration between Singapore Gymnastics and ActiveSG Gymnastics Academy to get more children to improve physical literacy and also learn some Gymnastics skills.