Influence of play is vital for your child

PLAY is synonymous with being a child.

As a parent it is a time when you hear those delightful tones of laugher, which often turn into giggles, and you smile.

I listen to my two boys at play – their interactions are quite remarkable, the way their conversations flow like a river, in and out of themes and situations, but always in the same direction.

Their imaginations are sparked by these times, their minds move through make-believe places and back to reality; they problem solve to resolve issues and disagreements and issues (most of the time).

Sometimes playing with your children is easy; they may want to just play catch or kick a ball, perhaps a game of tiggy.

But there are times the games my children inflict (yes inflict) on me are difficult to understand and just as tough for participation.

A lot of the time they just want to jump on top of me and wrestle me to the ground … followed by howls of laughter when they “accidentally” dig a knee into my back or an elbow in another, even more inappropriate and painful area.

Regardless of what shape it takes, never underestimate the importance of play; it can teach children so much, from how to follow rules, empathy and of course how to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.