Alone or in a group, play is essential for a child's well-being. What parents need to know What dads and moms should know about play is that it's vital for all areas of child development. Play is voluntary and self-initiated. It involves interaction with peers, releases tension and advances intellectual development. And, it increases exploration and provides for many learning experiences.
Children learn social concepts through play.
From role-playing to building with blocks, play teaches children to take turns, to share and to respect their own rights and the rights of others. As children mature, playtime offers an opportunity to engage in complex group play activities. Play helps children grow emotionally by providing ways to express thoughts, fears and feelings. During play, the child can be the planner and coordinator of all that happens. Benefits of play for physical development include gains in muscle coordination.