Y’all, it’s summer! We finally made it to the season of constant sunshine, warm days, and simple fun. As a parent, one of my favorite aspects of summer is how many exciting activities there are for us and the kids. From bike rides to days at the park, there’s always some new way for the kids to play. If you have younger kiddos of your own, I’d suggest really falling into the world of free play, and summer is the perfect time to do that—if not to pass the time, then to help your child learn all the amazing benefits of playtime. I’ve listed out a few of my favorites for y’all below—check them out!
It Helps With Cognitive Development
One of the most important things for a child is their development, and there are a few different forms of that. For example, cognitive development is how children think, explore, and figure things out. There are so many ways to help children develop, but playtime is one of the best since it targets so many things. Different forms of play target different areas of development, but either way, it’s a huge win, y’all!
It Encourages Their Creativity
Think about when y’all were younger. When you spent time outside, you probably galloped around, acting like you were a horse in the wild, or played with your imaginary friends on the swing set. Maybe you were a pro with chalk or the constant winner of Ghosts in the Graveyard. Whatever it was, creativity abounds in nature and in moments of play. That sort of creativity lasts a lifetime—just look at yourself for an example!
They’ll Stay Active
Summertime is the perfect time for kids to fall into the beauty of movement—and for adults, too! I always had a blast, going on bike rides in the summer with my girls, and play like that doesn’t even feel like exercising. It’s important for kids to stay pretty active; it helps their minds develop and rids them of some of that boundless energy that keeps them up at night. Even simple backyard play can work to keep the kids moving. Staying active is one of the main benefits of playtime.
Playtime Relieves Stress
The school year didn’t end the way we thought it would. It definitely didn’t end the way the kids wanted. Because of that, there might be a bit more stress and tension in the household and in your kids. They might not even understand how to deal with stress or know what it is and why their bodies are reacting this way. That’s where playtime comes in! Movement, imagination, and connection all help relieve stress. Try it out with them, and y’all will see the difference!
