Why Free Play is Crucial for Your Kids
By Genevieve Cunningham
As parents, all we really want for our kids is health and happiness. And if we're being honest, we spend a lot of time, money, and energy trying to accomplish this goal. Of course, it's not an easy task. Each child is so individual. But what if there were a way to improve both the health and happiness of your kids with just one effective tip? There is -- it's called free play. The benefits of free play have been touted for years, and it's only in recent history that we've taken it away from our kids. But maybe -- for their own health and well-being -- it's time we give it back. If you like the idea of a simple way to improve the health and happiness of your kids, take a look at why you should incorporate free play today.
Free Play Boosts Intelligence
It's thought that free play allows kids to make up their own rules. They get to use their imagination to their heart's content. And imagination is something that goes hand-in-hand with intelligence. Give your kids the space they need to exercise their minds. Allow them to explore and pretend. As they get older, they'll use those same skills to problem solve and figure out the world around them.
Free Play is Excellent Exercise
When you don't tell your kids exactly what they can play, they'll absolutely run and jump and expel their energy. And this gives them endless calorie burning, muscle strengthening, balance building play time. Exercise is something that comes naturally to kids, so don't take it away from them. Give them some space, set some safety rules, and then let them find their own ways to use their bodies and build health.
Free Play Allows Exploration
You really want your kids to be happy? You have to let them figure out who they are and what they like, and this is exactly what free play does. It opens the door to climbing, reading, pretending, socializing. It gives them some room to determine exactly what they enjoy and what they don't. As they get older, this will be an invaluable asset. Giving your kids some time to explore without too much restriction can bring happiness now -- but even more importantly -- it may bring happiness later as well.
If your kids aren't getting free play, you really have to make some changes. Kids need play time. They need free range to run and explore and push their own personal boundaries. Do what you can to give them this time, and you'll be setting them up for a better chance and health and happiness both now and in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.