Play and recreation are important parts of healthy development for children and teens. At a time when young people may spend significant amounts of time using smartphones, social media, and other digital devices, encouraging a healthy balance that includes physical activity, creative interests, outdoor play, and time with others can support overall well-being.
Parents and caregivers can help children and teens make time for play, recreation, physical activity, and meaningful connections with others.
The Power of Play: You Are Their First Playmate
When parents and caregivers play with children, they can strengthen their relationship while supporting children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Sharing joyful experiences can help build connection while giving children opportunities to communicate, explore, and learn.
Play can also help children develop important skills they can carry with them as they grow, including problem-solving, communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation.
The Power of Play and Stress
Activities such as singing, dancing, games, and other forms of play can promote enjoyment, movement, social connection, and stress relief. Play can also help children develop skills for managing emotions and coping with stress.
Making time for enjoyable activities can give children opportunities to relax, express themselves, and connect with the people around them.
The Power of Play and Working Through Difficult Emotions
Children often use imaginative play to explore experiences and express emotions they may not yet have the words to describe. Pretend play may provide opportunities to work through worries, changes, conflicts, or other difficult experiences.
Playing together can also give parents and caregivers opportunities to better understand how a child is feeling and create space for supportive conversations.
While play can be an important outlet, parents and caregivers should consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional if a child is experiencing persistent emotional or behavioral concerns.
The Power of Physical Play
Physical play supports motor development, physical health, confidence, and opportunities for children to practice social skills. Outdoor play can also give children opportunities to explore their surroundings, be creative, and engage their senses.
Physical activity and active play can:
- Support attention and memory
- Help children develop motor and movement skills
- Provide opportunities for exploration and creativity
- Encourage social interaction and cooperation
- Support physical health and healthy development
Whether children are running around a playground, riding a bike, dancing, or participating in a sport, regular opportunities for movement can be an important part of their overall well-being.
The Power of Play and Extra-Curricular Activities
As children get older, recreation may take different forms. Extracurricular activities such as sports, art, music, clubs, and other recreational activities can provide opportunities for physical activity, creativity, social connection, skill development, and a sense of belonging.
Research has found associations between participation in some extracurricular activities and positive measures of mental well-being among adolescents. The activity itself can vary based on a teen’s interests, abilities, and preferences. What matters is providing opportunities to engage in enjoyable and meaningful activities while building healthy connections with others.
The Power of Playing Team Sports
Team sports can offer opportunities for social connection, cooperation, physical activity, and a sense of belonging. Some research has found associations between sports participation and positive mental health outcomes among young people.
However, team sports are only one form of recreation. Individual sports, exercise, outdoor activities, creative hobbies, and other forms of leisure can also contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Participation in sports and other forms of regular physical activity can:
- Support physical and mental health
- Provide opportunities for social connection and teamwork
- Build confidence and new skills
- Support attention and cognitive development
- Promote healthy sleep habits
- Provide a positive outlet for stress
Regular physical activity can support mental health and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical activity can be one part of supporting a young person’s mental health, but it is not a substitute for professional treatment when mental health care is needed.
Whether a child is playing tag, creating art, exploring outdoors, or participating in an after-school sport, recreation and leisure can provide meaningful opportunities to move, connect, learn, and have fun.
Mental Health Therapy for Children and Teens in New Brunswick and Mt. Holly
Contact New Brunswick Counseling Center at 732-723-4271 if your child or teen is showing symptoms of anxiety or depression. We can help.
Sources:
UNICEF Parenting – How Play Strengthens Your Child’s Mental Health
HealthyChildren.org – The Power of Play: How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive
CDC – Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Children
World Health Organization – Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour