Why play matters

Play is every child’s right

The importance of children’s play is recognised throughout the world. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – which lists the rights of all children and teenagers – states (in Article 31) that every child has the right to play.

This convention applies to all children and teenagers, whoever they are, wherever they live and whatever they believe. So as parents and carers, it is important to make sure your child has the space, time and company of others to play. Playing is your child’s right wherever they are – at home, in childcare and at school.

Playing is good for children

Children benefit most when they are in charge of their play. When children choose what to play, who to play with, and how to organise their play, they have more fun. Children also develop and learn in all sorts of ways while playing:

• Climbing helps children build upper body strength, coordination and balance. It helps develop confidence and self-esteem, too.
• Joking, chatting and making up games with other children helps them develop their communication skills.
• Running and playing chase helps children get fitter.
• Walking or running along the tops of walls helps children develop concentration and balance.
• Jumping off steps, riding a bike, or skipping with a rope helps children develop coordination and confidence in what their bodies can do.
• Playing make believe develops children’s imagination and creativity. It can help them make sense of difficult things in their life, too.
• Playing gives children the chance to let off steam and have fun. This is important for them, but it also reduces stress on you – their parents, carers and families.

How play helps your child develop

Playing makes a crucial contribution to your child’s development – physical, mental, emotional and social.

Play and physical activity

When they play, children are likely to be physically active – running, jumping, dancing, climbing, digging, lifting, pushing and pulling.

Play and learning

When they play, children solve problems, learn new words and explore how things work.

Play and socialising

When they play, children make friends, argue and make friends again, and learn to share.

Play and creativity

When they play, children test things, make things, use their imagination, and express themselves.

Play and feelings

When they play, children express themselves. They often feel happy, and they come to terms with different experiences. This helps children feel less stressed.