Play is more than fun - it helps develop life skills in children. One of the most important lessons they can learn which will benefit them their entire lives is how to work with others as a part of a team. Teamwork is important not only in childhood, but it also helps them succeed as adults.
When children interact together, they build socialization and team work skills - both essential to personal development. They learn to be independent and interdependent, how to listen to listen and speak in social settings.
Children learn how to share, take turns and talk politely with each other. Through playing together, they understand the importance of being kind and experience what it feels like when others are kind to them. Games enable social interactions that create the foundation for healthy behavior.
Building new friendships with strangers helps children build confidence and self-esteem. There is nothing more fun than finding someone to laugh along with! Being on the same team helps them find solutions together and learn the value of co-operation and compromise. Playing with others keeps them energized and focused.
Even conflicts during play time make children learn the value of communication and compromise. Knowing what’s fair play helps them grow into teenagers and then adults that respect other people’s opinions.
Playing together also creates a framework for children to tackle bullying - how to stand up for themselves and stop others from making them feel inferior.
Ultimately, play is a healthy, fun way for children to learn what it means to be a part of society.