Why Play is Important in a Child's Life?

When we say children are just playing, they are actually learning a lot and developing a lot. Free play boosts physical and psychological development. By free play I mean play which does not include video games or organized play like being on a soccer or basketball team.  Free play encourages a child's imagination, boosts creativity, and teaches spontaneity. When children play with other kids they are learning fundamental social skills like sharing, taking turns, co-operation, collaboration and getting along. They also learn essential skills like leadership, working with others, problem solving and communication skills. Children express their feelings through play and also learn to cope with their feelings through play. Children develop language skills through play.
However cliche' it may sound,  the truth is that in today's fast paced world, we are forgetting the importance of free play. Sometimes the parents are so much focused on engaging the child in organized learning activities like music lessons, sports and academics that 'free time to play whatever the child wants' is forgotten. What ever free time the children have is spent watching TV or playing video games. We are loosing a sight of the most important developmental tool in early childhood- free play.

 Please remember-

When I am playing dress-up
I am doing role play; putting myself in someone else's shoes,
When I am running around
I am getting stronger,
When I am scribbling on the paper
I am developing fine motor skills,
When I am playing with the play-dough
I am being creative,
When I am playing doll-house
I am trying to make sense of  relationships,
When I am playing hide and seek
I am trusting myself and others,
When I am playing a board game
I am learning logic
So just let me play..

For more information please visit
http://www.naeyc.org/play
http://www.education.com/reference/article/importance-play--social-emotional/