OUTDOOR LIVING
CREATING AN OUTDOOR SPACE
YOUR CHILDREN WILL LOVE !
Contributed by Donna M . Hunter Founder of Backyard Living Ja ,
Play is essential for a child ’ s development and is needed to aid in their brain growth as well as build muscle strength and coordination . How is play important to child development ? Research shows the brain continues to grow after birth and is about
80 % of the adult size by the time a child is two . Unstructured free play promotes children ’ s development in three key ways . Emotional , Social and Mental and Creative .
Emotional Benefits of Play Builds kids ’ self-esteem and confidence . Allows kids to experience a range of emotions normally not available to them in other situations . Helps them overcome trauma . Brings them closer to their parents — children desire to not only play with their friends , sometimes , they want to play with their parents .
Social Benefits of Play
Children learn how to : Navigate a complex social network . How to listen . How to collaborate . How to play with others . How to gain independence .
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