Serious Fun: Why Play is Key to Unlocking Your Child's Potential

Growing up in India, I have always appreciated the value of play in a child's life. With
the emphasis on academic achievement and societal expectations, it can be easy to
forget the importance of play in a child's development. However, play is not just a fun
way for kids to pass the time - it's actually crucial for their physical, emotional, and
cognitive growth.

When I was a child, my friends and I loved to play a game called "lagori," which is
also known as seven stones. It's a game where you stack seven stones in a pyramid
and then try to knock them down with a ball. The team that knocks down the stones
and rebuilds the pyramid the fastest wins. We would spend hours playing this game
in the narrow lanes of our neighborhood. Not only was it a fun way to pass the time,
but it also helped us develop our hand-eye coordination and teamwork skills.

Let's start with the physical benefits of play. In a country like India, where the climate
can be hot and humid, playing outdoors may seem like a daunting task. However,
outdoor play helps children develop gross motor skills, such as running, jumping,
and climbing. It also helps them develop fine motor skills, such as using their hands
to manipulate objects. As a child, I remember spending hours playing cricket with my
friends. It was not just a fun activity, but also a way for us to develop our physical
abilities and teamwork skills.

Another example is the traditional game of "gilli-danda," which is a bit like cricket, but
played with a smaller bat and ball. This game requires a lot of skill and
concentration, and it's a great way to develop hand-eye coordination and balance. I
remember spending many afternoons playing this game with my cousins and friends,
and it was always a lot of fun.

Play also has emotional benefits for children. It provides them with an outlet for self-
expression and helps them develop social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and
empathy. In a country as diverse as India, where people from different backgrounds
and cultures live together, play can be a way for children to connect with each other
and learn about different perspectives. One of my fondest memories is of playing
with my cousins during family gatherings. We would create imaginative games and
have a blast, while also learning to work together and understand each other better.

Even simple activities like playing with clay or drawing with chalk can have a big
impact on a child's development. When my little cousin was hesitant to try new
foods, his mother started incorporating drawing and coloring activities into mealtime.
She would give him a picture of a fruit or vegetable and ask him to color it in before
trying the actual food. This simple activity helped him become more open to trying
new foods and even sparked an interest in gardening and growing his own fruits and
vegetables.
Written by Neha Purohit, 2023
As for cognitive development, play has been shown to have a positive impact on
children's problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to think critically. In a country
where the education system can be very focused on rote learning, play can provide
children with an opportunity to develop their imagination and creativity. From building
sandcastles on the beach to creating art with sidewalk chalk, children in India have
many opportunities to engage in imaginative play that helps develop their cognitive
abilities.

One of the most important aspects of play is that it is child-led. This means that
children have control over what they are doing and are able to explore and
experiment in their own way. In India, where adults may have a tendency to control
children's activities, it's important to remember the value of allowing children to take
the lead. This can be as simple as providing them with materials and letting them
decide what to do with them.

An example of child-led play can be seen in the story of my neighbor's son. He was
given a cardboard box and began using it as a spaceship, flying around the room
and exploring imaginary planets. His parents could have easily told him to use the
box for storage or recycling, but by allowing him to take the lead in his play, they
were able to see his creativity and problem-solving skills in action.

One of the most impactful experiences I had with play was when I volunteered at a
rural school in a remote village in India. The school had very limited resources and
the children didn't have access to many toys or games. However, they were
incredibly creative and resourceful. They had made their own toys out of sticks and
rocks, and they had even created their own version of hopscotch using squares
drawn in the dirt. It was inspiring to see how even in difficult circumstances, play was
such an important part of these children's lives and how they were able to use their
imagination and creativity to make the most of what they had.

It's also important to note that play can take many different forms. It doesn't have to
involve expensive toys or elaborate activities. In India, where resources may be
limited, it's important to remember that simple activities such as playing with a ball or
drawing with chalk can be just as valuable for a child's development.

In conclusion, play is an essential part of a child's development, providing physical,

emotional, and cognitive benefits. In a country like India, where societal pressures
and limited resources can make it difficult to prioritize play, it's important to
remember the importance of play in a child's life. By encouraging child-led play,
providing children with a variety of materials and opportunities, and allowing them to
explore and experiment in their own way, parents and caregivers can help children
develop the skills and abilities they need to thrive. So, let's all take a moment to
Written by Neha Purohit, 2023
appreciate the value of play and encourage our children to play, explore, and have
fun!

Written by Neha Purohit, 2023