The Importance of Playtime for Toddlers

Playtime is vital for the development of a child. Playtime helps a child in many areas including emotional, social, physical, mental, and cognitive functioning. Having a toddler of my own, I want to stress the impact that a parent can have on a child by restricting playtime or neglecting to spend time with the child. Here are 12 of my reasons why playtime is important.


1. The toddler develops physically.
A child who is running around and jumping is strengthening all the areas of the body that will help with muscle control, flexibility, and balance. Plus, the heart pumps healthy oxygen and the skin and hair develops healthy follicles. What's more, the toddler will most likely grow up to be an active adult with less medical problems and greater health. There is less risk for obesity and heart diseases later in life as well.

2. The toddler has a better mood. Combine the physical exertions with the social interaction, and you got a happy baby! Studies show that better moods and regular playtime develops better behavior and less aggression in children.

3. The toddler learn how to interact. Toddlers can learn plenty from playing with others. They learn proper etiquette on how to play nicely, how to speak if they want something, and how to say please and thank you. A toddler is very self-centered by nature, and interaction helps him or her to realize that other people also have feelings and emotions. Shy children can also benefit from a close interaction with friends or family, thereby increasing confidence and trust.


4. The toddler improves imagination and creativity. Imagination is the best psychological development for a toddler. The child can learn hands-on techniques on how things work and build on that knowledge. They learn many things by opening and closing their toy car, looking at colorful pictures in a storybook, and stacking blocks or solving puzzles. there imagination when they pretend that the floor is "lava" or the tea cups have real tea is not just fun but very beneficial.

5. The toddler improves on language skills. Toddlers learn how to articulate better and how to speak more proper within interaction. Plus, simple toys such as blocks or alphabet key boards can improve language drastically. Toddlers have the ability to absorb so many words and phrases a day, even through songs.


6.The toddler build on skills needed in later life Resolving conflicts, working in groups, and working through challenges are great ways that children learn the life skills. Children also learn how to make decision, not to interrupt and speak kindly to get what you want, and be a leader of good. The child also learns about his or her surroundings better.


7. The toddler will gain cognitive excellence in school. Toddlers who play will develop more brain cells and have a higher level of intelligence and reasoning. They will have better focus in school if given time for play. In their simple games, children learn the foundations for math, science, and English. They will not have such a hard time in school because of their high concentration and understanding of techniques and will have less drop-outs in their teen years.


8. The toddler will benefit from high mental functioning. We have all heard about those studies where children left neglected have very low brain functioning. Interaction is extremely important. Unfortunately with the rise of video games, televisions, and computers, children have showed a lower mental intelligence than ever. Children who have more playtime will be more prone to an wisdom and knowledge that surpasses those who lack interaction and support.

9. The toddler builds relationships. Toddlers are very dependent to have comfort and encouragement. The child can learn how to find friends and keep them by learning the ways one is to interact with others. Parent relationships also strengthen during the toddler years if there is plenty of time allotted to the child and attention is given. The child learn signs of love and friendship and how to show affection by playing closely together with others.


10. The toddler develops intellectual and emotional skills In playtime, it is important for parents and close family members to engage with the child as much as possible. A child thrives on the support and encouragement of the mother and father. There are so many different ways that a child can learn intellectual skills. Music and songs from a singing bear toy or a toy turtle can help toddlers gain understanding. A parent who reads to a child can also relax and grow a deeper connection with each other.