The Benefits of Playing Games!

Are you familiar with the classic game called “Red Light Green Light”?   To play the game, an adult or designated leader stands at one end of the room (or yard). The adult shouts, “Green Light” and the children standing at the other end of the room, walk or run towards the adult.  When the leader calls out, “Red Light”, the children must stop where they are and freeze. 

When your child engages with you in a simple game like “Red Light Green Light” they develop all kinds of important life skills.  For example, games provide the opportunity to grow working memory because children need to remember the instructions and keep in their mind what they are supposed to do to play the game. 

When playing “Red Light Green Light” you call out, “Red Light” and your child has to stop and think before they act.  They pause and ask themselves, “Do I run now, or do I freeze?”  In that short instant of stopping to think before they act, they are practicing and developing emotional control - especially when everything within them wants to move and go instead of stop!   

Emotional control is an essential skill for everyday life.  A child may get frustrated with a sibling and want to hit them.  Developing emotional control allows the child to think before they act and consider the possible consequences of their actions and choices in that situations. 

Consequences can also be learned through playing games.  If your child moves when you call “Red Light”, it is ok to allow your child to be out or go back to the starting line. Life is full of ups and downs and playing games as a family can provide a safe place for children to practice losing and dealing with disappointment!

If you are looking for something fun to do, join together for a game of “Red Light Green Light” today.  It is amazing how such a simple game can reap so many developmental benefits and so much fun along the way!