Two weeks ago I decided to work for few hours and returned home to take a rest as I was feeling completely burnt-out. Getting home I was met with my children crying looking through the windows. When I entered the house they came crushing on me. So I asked the reason as to why my boys were crying, when my house help told me that she wanted them to sleep but they instead wanted to play football. What is wrong with them playing football? I asked, these are four year old boys for heavens sake- and playing is part of their growing and a child’s job is to play!
Two weeks ago I decided to work for few hours and returned home to take a rest as I was feeling completely burnt-out. Getting home I was met with my children crying looking through the windows. When I entered the house they came crushing on me. So I asked the reason as to why my boys were crying, when my house help told me that she wanted them to sleep but they instead wanted to play football. What is wrong with them playing football? I asked, these are four year old boys for heavens sake- and playing is part of their growing and a child’s job is to play!
It is through play that children develop essential life skills, they learn how to interact with their peers and with adults, they learn how to choose friends and enemies, they learn how to run around, play team games and sports, they learn to be creative, to adapt and develop new skills, and they learn a whole range of emotions.
Children of today are so over burdened by school work and more school and nothing like play time. Sometimes I feel like crying seeing children carrying big school bags full of books, going to school as early as six in the morning looking forlorn and tired.
Well, it is important that both parents and schools realise that for a child to grow normally they need time to get dirty and play as they should depending on their ages.
It is said that the only time children are at ease with themselves is when they are playing. Experts say that when children are playing that is the time that their minds are at work paving way for better growth, are also able to adapt to new skills making them perform better in school.
Children go to school for three months non stop, and it is only fair if the children are given their fair share of playing during the school holidays. Parents are encouraged to also make time and play with their children, this way they bond with the children and bring that closeness that is needed between children and parents.
Not only does playing help the children grow, it also keeps their minds alert and out of danger of going astray. When children are playing, they are also doing some form of body exercise-this helps them stay fit and healthy. Also it’s only when children play that their talents are discovered.
Did you know that play is so important to a child that it has been recognised by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights? Yes, it is that important that a child is given time to play.
School is important, but playing is equally important for the children to help them grow and lead a healthy life.