Wellbeing Resources

Holiday play

As we approach the school holidays, thoughts of the wonderful opportunity for children to have hours of uninterrupted play come to mind.  Playing is a natural and enjoyable way for children to keep active, stay healthy and continue learning.  Having unstructured play opportunities helps a person’s mental and physical health as well as teach life skills.

Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them.  They learn valuable skills to use throughout life such as confidence, self-esteem, resilience, social skills, conflict resolution, independence, curiosity and coping.  Physical health is also improved as children develop  coordination, agility, stamina and balance as they run, jump and ride bikes.

Playing with others can help develop social skills as they listen to others, learn to share and negotiate, explore feelings and learn how to express themselves positively and work out emotional aspects of life.  Parents can play too - what a great time to connect and have fun together!  You may like to offer suggestions or challenges for the play however let your child direct the play and have you support and join in.

Allow the child to challenge themselves safely; this is how they learn to take safe risks, challenge themselves, learn from their mistakes and find out their own limits.  Explain it is important to learn from mistakes, try again and believe in themself.  Help them to know their limits and boundaries.  Be there to support and encourage them to have fun in their play. 

Freely chosen play is when a child decides and controls their own play following their interests, and using their imagination and instincts.  To make sure your child has time for unstructured, freely chosen play every day, try to limit screen time.  Negotiate, talk with your child, play games or read a book together.  When children are using screens, join in, ask questions about what they are doing and watching, be curious and talk about their online activity.

These holidays, with the warmer weather approaching, send your child out to run, jump, ride a bike and play…they will have fun and continue developing skills without even knowing!

Take care and stay safe 

Michelle

School Social Worker