The role of play and childhood challenges
The role of play can function as a way in which children are able to confront and conquer important emotional situations (for example, fear). Children are able to use their imagination to conquer these emotional challenges, which can be a very important and useful task for children who are from disadvantaged or even violent backgrounds. The use of play as a method of overcoming challenges is said to strengthen children’s skills, build on their experiences, lead them to other themes and even promote growth in various developmental areas (Bergen, 2013).
Members of associations such as the Association for the Study of Play and the International Play Association have noted that the amount of time children have allocated for play has been decreasing rapidly over time. This is due to the fact that after school activities, sports and technology related objects have become more common (Bergen, 2013).
The role of play and behavioural problems
Research has indicated that the role of play has been shown to lower behavioural problems in children as it assists their adaptability, bonding and resiliency skills as well as strengthens childrens social skills and dominance, benefiting future social relationships (McCarthy, Mora & Aros, 2010). In addition, research conducted on the differences between schools that have play periods and schools that do not, indicate that the schools that do have play periods include students who have better social skills as they have the opportunity to release energy and interact with their peers in an unstructured environment and as well as stronger cognitive skills because they learn and grow for pleasure (McCarthy, Mora & Aros, 2010).
The role of play and children with ADHD
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience difficulties in play due to having serious social problems and also tend to lack empathy when playing with other children (Cordier et al., 2009). The children struggle to transition between activities, are less playful and interested and demonstrate more negative behaviours in play situations (Cordier et al., 2009).
So how can your child engage in a type of play that can help strengthen these skills? Pairing your child with another child that does not have ADHD can provide your child with the opportunity to build and maintain skills that they would not be able to do if they were paired with another child that had ADHD. Integrating children is beneficial to both children as the child with ADHD is able to strengthen skills that are not present and the typically developing child is able to engage in an act of altruism (Cordier et al., 2009). In general, integration provides children with opportunities to build more realistic, meaningful and beneficial relationships.
The role of play and children with Autism
Just like children with ADHD, children with Autism experience similar challenges. Providing your autistic child with a typically developing child to play with will allow them to initiate, prompt and reinforce social interactions that will eventually lead to much greater social improvements. Research has indicated that even pairing an autistic child with a typically developing sibling has shown to enhance the social play of the autistic child, providing them with skills they may not have learned otherwise (Cordier et al., 2009).
The role of play can function as a way in which children are able to confront and conquer important emotional situations (for example, fear). Children are able to use their imagination to conquer these emotional challenges, which can be a very important and useful task for children who are from disadvantaged or even violent backgrounds. The use of play as a method of overcoming challenges is said to strengthen children’s skills, build on their experiences, lead them to other themes and even promote growth in various developmental areas (Bergen, 2013).
Members of associations such as the Association for the Study of Play and the International Play Association have noted that the amount of time children have allocated for play has been decreasing rapidly over time. This is due to the fact that after school activities, sports and technology related objects have become more common (Bergen, 2013).
The role of play and behavioural problems
Research has indicated that the role of play has been shown to lower behavioural problems in children as it assists their adaptability, bonding and resiliency skills as well as strengthens childrens social skills and dominance, benefiting future social relationships (McCarthy, Mora & Aros, 2010). In addition, research conducted on the differences between schools that have play periods and schools that do not, indicate that the schools that do have play periods include students who have better social skills as they have the opportunity to release energy and interact with their peers in an unstructured environment and as well as stronger cognitive skills because they learn and grow for pleasure (McCarthy, Mora & Aros, 2010).
The role of play and children with ADHD
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience difficulties in play due to having serious social problems and also tend to lack empathy when playing with other children (Cordier et al., 2009). The children struggle to transition between activities, are less playful and interested and demonstrate more negative behaviours in play situations (Cordier et al., 2009).
So how can your child engage in a type of play that can help strengthen these skills? Pairing your child with another child that does not have ADHD can provide your child with the opportunity to build and maintain skills that they would not be able to do if they were paired with another child that had ADHD. Integrating children is beneficial to both children as the child with ADHD is able to strengthen skills that are not present and the typically developing child is able to engage in an act of altruism (Cordier et al., 2009). In general, integration provides children with opportunities to build more realistic, meaningful and beneficial relationships.
The role of play and children with Autism
Just like children with ADHD, children with Autism experience similar challenges. Providing your autistic child with a typically developing child to play with will allow them to initiate, prompt and reinforce social interactions that will eventually lead to much greater social improvements. Research has indicated that even pairing an autistic child with a typically developing sibling has shown to enhance the social play of the autistic child, providing them with skills they may not have learned otherwise (Cordier et al., 2009).