The Importance of Children Playing with People of all Ages

By Karissa Hazelwood, BSc ENG

As Diane Ackerman once stated, “play is our brain’s favorite way of learning”. Play is an essential element of a child’s development. It is a simple, yet extremely important way to help them learn and grow. But who should a child play with? In short, everyone! Play appears differently depending on who is participating. Different forms of play are beneficial in their own unique ways. It is for this reason that we should strive to create opportunities for children to play with a variety of different people of differing ages.

Firstly, it is of utmost importance that children participate in “peer interactions” (Rubin, Bukowski, & Parker, 2006, p. 576). These interactions are social exchanges between children, in which their actions and behaviours depend on each other. Peer interactions are the foundation for many aspects of a child’s development such as emotional regulation, self-esteem, conflict resolution and various social skills that will serve the child for the remainder of their life. Through interacting with others, children are able to develop a better understanding of themselves. This self awareness helps children to be reflective and think about their actions and behavior, as well as to step back and consider what others in their environment are experiencing. All these skills are developed through peer interactions.

Furthermore, parent/guardian-child interactions are crucial for the healthy development of children. There is a deep connection that develops when parents engage with their children (Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, 2007). A child’s development is positively affected by consistent and loving relationships with parents as they interact through play. Moreover, the bonds between the parent and the child are strengthened through play. Children need the support parents can provide in order to develop into healthy adults.

Finally, it is also important that children play and interact with grandparents or other elderly figures in their lives. Research by Professor Ann Buchanan from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention showed that a high level of grandparental involvement increases the well-being of children. It is extremely beneficial for children to learn from those who have a wide array of experiences. These interactions help to expand a child’s perspective and to teach them respect. Additionally, perhaps the most important resource that grandparents can provide is love. Children learn and grow through close, caring relationships with the adults in their lives. The attention, interaction and unconditional love from grandparents helps a young child feel safe and secure. This emotional security is crucial for brain development.

Play is so important to child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. A wide range of different kinds of play is highly beneficial to children and allowing children opportunities to play with people of all ages aids them to play in all kinds of ways, in turn positively affecting their brain development.

References:

Coplan, R. J., & Arbeau, K. A. (2009). Peer interactions and play in early childhood. American Psychology Association. APA PsycInfo.

https://www.classroominterpreting.org/Interpreters/children/Fostering/peerinteraction.asp

Learning Works for Kids. Improving Your Child’s Self-Awareness Skills. https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/287778/file-231442306-pdf/improving_self-awareness.pdf%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E#:~:text=Self%2Dawareness%20helps%20children%20to,understand%20the%20feelings%20of%20others.

Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. American Academy of Pediatrics. 119 (1): 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697

A Little Play Goes a Long Way: The Importance of Playing with Your Child. Utah State University. https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/faq/the-importance-of-playing-with-your-child

Grandparents contribute to children's wellbeing. University of Oxford. https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/research-impact/grandparents-contribute-childrens-wellbeing#:~:text=A%20high%20level%20of%20grandparental,role%20in%20their%20grandchildren's%20lives.

5 things grandparents do for young children. First Things First. https://www.firstthingsfirst.org/first-things/5-things-grandparents-do-for-young-children/