The Developmental Importance of Play
Question 1
The quality and quantity of play for children have significantly declined since I was a child. The national trust survey revealed that children nowadays utilize less than half the time their parents spent playing outside. Approximately, children play outside for only five hours a week and over thrice that amount playing video games inside. The reason is that the rise of the internet has children choosing to spend time indoors. This type of indoor play is of lesser quality as it does no accommodate physical activity and social interactions.
Question 2
Play is essential for children because it contributes to optimal development, but the changes in play may produce problematic adults. Play encourages active play, which is critical to a child’s physical exercise and enables children to utilize their creativity in developing new competencies, thus strengthening their cognitive ability. As children play along with others, they develop social skills such as taking turns and solving conflicts. The play also helps children’s’ emotional development by allowing them to express both the conscious and unconscious experiences regarding their feelings. If children don’t engage in the right kind of play adequately, they may have increased chances for lifestyle diseases, struggle with socializing, and have trouble expressing themselves when they become adults.
Response to Posting 1
In today’s’ world, the quantity of play has reduced, but the quality of play has been maintained. Internet games have replaced the days when children spent hours building forts, playing in local parks, and climbing trees. However, the quality of play has been maintained because parents can monitor how their children access the internet. Some parents have restricted internet access for their children, enabling them to participate in outdoor play.
Response to Posting 2
The relationship between children and play has changed dramatically, with both quality and quantity of play declining. However, quality has declined the most. This day, children play less, and their play is mostly inactive. The reason can be attributed to technological advancements such as the use of the internet. With the internet, children play games that restrict their physical exercise and development of their socializing skills.