There are many benefits of play for children:
Physical – Play can be an obvious source of exercise for children and burns off more calories than almost any other activity. Play can also help develop bone and muscle strength and regulate fat levels – controlling weight and maintaining blood pressure at healthy levels.
Cognitive development – Play helps to develop memory and teaches observational and problem solving skills. Children also use play to test theories about the world (for example how dangerous an activity might be), themselves and others around them.
Social skills and resilience – Research has shown that children who are most involved in play are the least likely to be aggressive, inattentive, shy or withdrawn. There is also evidence that play increases children’s ability to share, negotiate, cooperate and develop empathy.
Wellbeing – Play can contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment and provide excitement in everyday life. It can also act as a form of escapism and coping mechanism in difficult situations. Good play provision can also have a role in reducing accidents (for example on the roads).