In the realm of parenting, the act of play holds significant importance, yet it can be a daunting task for many. As a father of three, I find joy in playing with my children about 90% of the time, whether it’s tossing a football with my ten-year-old son or helping my three-year-old construct her Peppa Pig Lego house. However, that remaining 10% can be a real struggle.
After a long, exhausting day at work, the last thing I want to do is engage in a game of Battleship. To be honest, I don’t particularly enjoy board games; I find them tedious, even in the company of my children. Nevertheless, I push through and play, even resorting to “cheating” by allowing my child to score direct hits, which hastens the end of the game. My child feels accomplished, and I can move on—an unexpected win-win situation.
For those who share similar sentiments, there is compelling research highlighting the benefits of play for both parents and children. For three years, Ikea has published an Annual Play Report that delves into the myriad advantages of engaging in play. According to their 2017 findings, “play is pretty serious business,” prompting extensive research involving over 300 participants across Germany, the US, and China to understand how and why we play.
How Do We Play Together?
One particularly enlightening section of the report addresses “How Do We Play Together?” It categorizes six distinct forms of play, each offering unique benefits for both the adult and child. For instance, ‘freestyle’ play encourages children to dictate the rules, allowing them to express themselves creatively. Although this can mean navigating a game that is often skewed in favor of the child, it also fosters their confidence and decision-making skills while allowing parents to see the world through their child’s perspective.
Another category discussed is “Out-of-the-Box” play, where artistic expression reigns. This often results in a delightful mess, but it stimulates creativity for both the child and the adult involved. The report notes that this type of play nurtures imaginative thinking, encouraging both parties to step outside conventional boundaries.
Formal play, characterized by structured games like chess or Battleship, is also explored in the report. Although my dislike for board games persists, the report emphasizes that such play can unite families and foster relaxation while enhancing problem-solving skills. With this knowledge, I find myself motivated to engage in board games more frequently, perhaps with renewed enthusiasm.
The report further outlines other play types, such as ‘Mirror-Me’ play, ‘Muddy-Boots’ play, and ‘Build-It’ play, each presenting similar advantages for both parents and children.
While some may argue that the benefits of play are obvious, it’s crucial to acknowledge that after a day filled with challenges, the thought of initiating a game may feel overwhelming. The reality is, many parents, including myself, often crave a moment of solitude rather than jumping into an improvised game where the rules are constantly evolving.
For those who, like me, may need extra motivation to embark on playful activities after a long day, consider the tangible benefits of engaging in play with your children. It might just make the mess or the ambiguous game a bit easier to tolerate. For further insights, check out this article on the benefits of play and explore this excellent resource for more on pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re interested in more information about at-home insemination kits, visit Cryobaby.
In summary, while engaging in play can sometimes seem less appealing after a long day, recognizing its benefits may enhance the experience for both parents and children alike.