I was re-reading the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report on the importance of play in promoting child development the other day and it reminded me of just how important play is to children.  This should be no shock because children and play go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Children have been playing since the dawn of time, and my guess is it will continue to happen for a long time.

Play is important to how children learn social skills (i.e. turn taking), master environments and roles (i.e. playing school and being the teacher), and negotiating skills (i.e. 'let's play with the ball together instead of taking it from each other').  You can literally watch your children develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally through their play. I tend to view play as the serious work of childhood.  Here is an interesting article on development of play from Parent Magazine.

Free play is a great time to be active with your child.  You build your relationship, are helping your child learn, and both of you are being active.  Playing is a natural event, and is tremendously bonding, all you have to do is engage in it. Play along with their made up games, and you'll be surprised what will come from it.  One of my children's favorite game is Sweetie, where I am Sweetie and they are little mommy and little daddy. (I think you capitalize the S.  I'll have to ask them.)  Let them direct the play, and you'll be amazed with what your child can do.  Encourage them when they pretend to be you, or anyone else. 

My one warning:  don't over schedule your child.  Let them be a child, which means playing outside, getting dirt, and probably breaking something.  Children need the free time to grow, develop, and express themselves.

Sneak preview for tomorrow: Why play is important in the hospital.