The Importance of Play in Emotional Development For Children

Most people think of play as something that children do just for fun. However, play is actually a very important part of a child's emotional development. Through play, children learn how to express their emotions, cope with stress, and interact with other people in a healthy manner.

The true importance of play in emotional development is something every caregiver should understand, so we've put together this guide to help. Keep reading to learn exactly why play is so important for children's emotional development, how play can help each stage of a child’s development, and how you can encourage healthy play in your child.

Why is Play So Important in Children’s Emotional Development?

Children learn through play. It is how they explore their surroundings and make sense of the world around them. When children engage in play, they are using their imaginations to create new worlds and experiences.

Play is also an important part of emotional development for children. Through play, children can express their feelings and learn to cope with emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear. Play can also help children develop social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and communication.

There are many benefits of learning through play for children’s emotional development, including:

• Helping children to express their feelings.
• Play can help children learn to cope with emotions.
• Play helps children develop social skills.
• Helping children learn how to resolve conflicts.
• Play can help children develop a positive self-image.

How Play Can Aid Each Stage of Emotional Development in Children

1. Noticing emotions: From birth to age 1

During the earliest stage of life, babies learn about emotions by observing the facial expressions and vocalisations of those around them. They also begin to imitate the emotions they see.

• Babbling to themselves while making different faces.
• Imitating the sounds and facial expressions of those around them.
• Shaking a rattle or banging on a drum.

These simple acts of play in early childhood help children notice emotions within themselves and the people around them. To foster growth using playful learning at this stage, caregivers can read books with expressive pictures and words, encourage play with baby and first year toys that make sounds and provide opportunities for babies to practice making different facial expressions.

Octopus Squeakaboo - Suitable From Birth

2. Expressing emotions: Ages 2-3

As children move into the second stage of emotional development, they begin to understand and express their own emotions. At this age, play might look like:

• Sorting objects by colour or shape.
• Pretending to be different animals.
• Engaging in make-believe play with other children.
• Playing dress-up, free play or role-play games.

These types of play help children learn to use emotional skills in a safe and controlled environment. To encourage this type of play, caregivers can provide simple props such as costumes or exciting hand puppet toys. When a child plays with toys like puppets from a young age, it can help them practise identifying and expressing emotions, encouraging healthy emotional development.

Boy Hand Puppets - Suitable For Ages 3+

3. Managing emotions: Ages 4-5

As children enter the third stage of emotional development, they begin to understand and manage their emotions. At this stage, play might look like:

• Building towers out of blocks and then knocking them down.
• Drawing pictures that express their feelings.
• Solving puzzles or playing games that require strategy.
• Group play with other children.

At this stage, play helps children to understand and manage their emotions. To foster growth at this stage using play experiences, caregivers can provide puzzles, games, and arts and crafts supplies.

Creative craft kits can be helpful for encouraging children to express their emotions in a creative way while building on their motor skills. It is also important to provide opportunities for children to engage in group play with other children, as this can help them learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way with their peers.

Wood & Felt Craft Kit- Suitable For Ages 5+

The Different Aspects of a Child's Emotional Development

The act of physical play aids children's development by encouraging them to express feelings, work on problem-solving skills and explore their imagination. But emotional development encompasses much more than that.

A child's emotional development is also about building self-esteem, learning how to cope with stress and managing emotions in positive ways. Each of these aspects of emotional development is important for a child's overall wellbeing.

1. Self-esteem

Self-esteem is the way we see ourselves and how we feel about ourselves. It develops over time as we experience success and failures, learn new things and interact with others.

A child's self-esteem is important because it affects how they see themselves and how they cope with challenges. A child with healthy self-esteem will be more likely to see themselves as competent and capable. They will also be more likely to cope with setbacks and failures in a positive way.

2. Stress Management

Stress is a normal part of life and it is important for children to learn how to cope with it in a healthy way. When children are faced with stressful situations, they may experience physical symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, sweaty palms and upset stomach.

It is important for children to learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way because it can help them to manage other emotions more effectively. Play can be a great way for children to learn how to cope with stress. For example, pretend play can help children work through stressful situations with abstract ideas, rather than concrete reality.

3. Managing Other Emotions

As children grow and develop, they learn how to identify and express their emotions in appropriate ways. At first, children may express their emotions through crying or tantrums. But as they get older, they learn how to express their emotions in more positive ways.

Play-based learning can be a great way for children to learn how to manage their emotions. For example, group play can help children release excess energy and aggression in a safe and controlled environment. Play can also help children to practise identifying and expressing emotions creatively.

Play Ideas To Boost Emotional Development in Children

Creative, Educational Toys That Encourage Emotional Development

When it comes to finding the right toys to encourage emotional development in children, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for toys that encourage creativity and expression. Art supplies, craft kits and musical instruments are all great options.

You should also look for toys that offer opportunities for problem-solving and cognitive development. puzzles, games and building kits are all great choices.

Collaborative Play Experiences That Encourage Emotional Development

Don't forget about the importance of social and emotional development. One of the best ways to encourage emotional development in children is through collaborative play experiences. When children play together, they have the opportunity to practise social skills such as cooperation, communication and turn-taking.

As a caregiver, you should look for toys that encourage cooperation and communication, such as board games, dolls and puppets. These types of toys can help children to develop skills such as empathy and perspective-taking.

Looking For More Creative & Educational Toys?

At Fiesta Crafts, boosting your child's development is our top priority. We offer a range of creative and educational toys that are designed to encourage emotional development in children.

From art supplies and craft kits to puzzles and games, we have everything you need to help your child reach their full potential. So, if you're looking for more creative and educational toys to encourage emotional development in children, we've got you covered.