Chelsea Elliott lives in Ohio with her husband and two daughters (aged six and two). She is the creator of EQ Kids Crew card game
"Play is essential at every stage of our lives! Many people—including doctors and educators - see play as something kids do outside of learning. It is actually the primary way we learn, as humans.
• Creative play allows kids to use their imagination to explore their world or create a new one.
• Dramatic play helps kids understand various perspectives as they role-play with others.
• Social play lets kids practice self-regulation and rule-following skills by learning how to lose graciously and celebrate themselves and others.
• Unstructured play helps with cognitive development as the brain builds new neuropathways as kids develop innovative ways to interact with the world.
• Communication play allows kids to use new words they wouldn't typically use in everyday conversations.
• Locomotor play gives kids the chance to move their bodies in fun and unique ways (this is how my husband and I discovered our oldest daughter is a natural gymnast).
Play helps us learn about ourselves, each other, and the world around us in a unique way.
Outside of the direct benefits of play for kids, it helps adults understand a child's unfiltered mind. Participating in play with our kids can give insight into things they know or have experienced that they may not have shared with us before.
For example, playing with your child can highlight issues with friends at school, their thoughts on bullying, and how they perceive your parenting. It can also help you see how they truly feel about themselves and their abilities.
It is vital to not just play along but to find out if there is a real-world meaning behind what they are playing out.
Both my children and my own childhood were the inspirations behind creating my emotional learning tools. I experienced trauma that impacted my emotional and mental development as a child.
I'm now on a mission to help parents and educators create emotionally healthy and safe environments for kids by supporting their emotional wellness.
The card game uses play to help kids build their communication skills. They increase their emotional vocabulary by learning new words to express their feelings and learn new ways to manage their behaviours.
Embrace boredom
My advice for parents wanting to encourage more space for play for their kids is to allow them time to be bored and to fill in the gaps in their own way. Some parents may be surprised by their kids' interests based on how they play when they have no instructions or guidance.
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