Womanthismonth.com 84 May 2024 It used to be thought that animal play was simply practice so that they could become more effective hunters. However, research has shown that play serves an entirely different function: which is teaching young animals how to interact with others in positive ways. Play helps build pro-social brains. Woman This Month’s Parenting Columnist, Ouiam El Hassani, tells us why unstructured play is crucial for children’s development. As parents, we often work towards introducing some level of structure into our children’s lives, but this structure doesn’t necessarily need to make its way into their playtime. Unstructured play is play without predetermined rules. It is spontaneous, often made-up on the spot, and changeable as the day goes on. It is the kind of play you see when puppies chase each other around a yard in endless circles or a group of kids play for hours in a fort they created out of old boxes. Unstructured play is fun—no question about it—but research also tells us that it is critically important for the development of children’s bodies and brains. One of the best ways to encourage unstructured play in young children is by providing toys that can be used in multiple ways. Providing time and oppurtunities for unstructured play may be the best gift you offer your child today. HERE’S WHY UNSTRUCTURED PLAY IS CRUCIAL FOR CHILDREN: IT POSITIVELY CHANGES BRAIN STRUCTURES Play actually changes the structure of the developing brain, strengthening the connections of the neurons (nerve cells) in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain considered to be the executive control centre responsible for solving problems, making plans and regulating emotions. Because unstructured play involves trying out different strategies without particular goals or serious consequences, children as well as animals get to practice different activities during play and see what happens. Experts say that it teaches us how to deal with the unexpected—a critically important skill in today’s uncertain world. It’s cognitive benefits are profound. As children experiment and explore, they learn about cause and effect, problemsolving, and critical thinking. They develop their imaginations as they create stories and scenarios. It also lays the foundation for future learning, as children develop a natural curiosity and a love for exploration. In a world that often demands conformity and pre-defined success, unstructured play provides a vital space for children to be themselves, explore their individuality, develop their own interests, and discover their passions. It’s a time to simply be a child. WHAT’S UNSTRUCTURED PLAY? LIFESTYLE | parenting IT ENCOURAGES HEALTHY INTERACTIONS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==