Why Play?

Why Play Matters More Than Ever in Childhood Development

As parents and educators, we are constantly making decisions that shape our children’s futures — what they learn, how they learn, and especially how they spend their time. Screens and social media are now woven into everyday life, and figuring out the right time to introduce them can feel overwhelming.

If you’re navigating that choice, one highly recommended resource is the bestselling book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It offers powerful insight into how the rapid rise of screen time and social media has impacted children’s mental health. It encourages us to pause and reflect before handing over a device and instead consider what childhood truly needs.

And here’s the good news — one of the most important ingredients for childhood is still wonderfully simple:

Play. Real, hands-on, imagination-driven play.

Play is not a break from learning. Play is learning.

Through play, children…
* strengthen fine motor skills for writing, cutting, buttoning, and more
* build coordination and body awareness
* problem-solve and think creatively
* learn to share, communicate, and express emotions
* grow confidence through exploration and mastery
* develop bilateral coordination using both hands together for daily tasks

When children manipulate toys, climb, draw, build, and pretend — their brain and body are working together to create neural pathways that support school readiness and lifelong learning.

The Childhood We Want to Protect

We live in a fast-paced, digital world. Devices can entertain, and sometimes they’re even helpful. But they should never replace the meaningful experiences that nature intended:

• running through the yard

• solving puzzles

• dreaming up imaginary worlds

• creating with little hands

• laughing and connecting with real people

Those are the moments that shape confidence, abilities, and emotional well-being.

Let’s Bring Play Back

As caregivers, we have the power to protect the joys of childhood — not by banning everything, but by choosing what matters most, first. Let’s set strong foundations through play, connection, and hands-on learning before screens take center stage.

More play. More movement. More curiosity.
That’s where development grows.