Having unstructured free play for young children is a way of laying foundation for their early development and physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Play potentially reduces the risk of a child being obese, reduces peer interaction and mental wellbeing issues. A child wellbeing has a high priority in healthcare and early childhood education, in the context of reducing the increasing number of children experiencing mental health problems as well as developmental, emotional and behavioral issues.

Through play, children develop multiple skills including those related to social interaction, communication, peer interaction, executive function, and problem-solving skills. Children use play to work through experiences and events and renew their understanding of the changing world.  Child-directed, unstructured outdoor play offers an opportunity for young children to explore the natural environment and engage with their peers. Outdoor free play allows the testing of physical limits, expressing oneself freely, building self-confidence and facilitating socialization, which may not be achieved through play with electronic games.

By incorporating opportunities for unstructured outdoor play and providing mindfulness activities, it could facilitate a smooth transition process in activities. Through play and self-reflection, children strategize about change and transition which characterize early childhood. Opportunities to develop skills and problem solving through unstructured play are increasingly limited as children prepare to enter school and the emphasis turns to structured learning in classroom setting when they are older.

So give your child some time each day to play and explore, or even better sign up for ActiveSG KinderGym Programme happening in Q1 of 2022!