The Importance of Play: Pediatric Physical Therapist Approved Gifts for Kids 12 months to 6 years
The wise Fred Rogers, the creator and star of the long-running kids’ TV show “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood”, said:
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
Rogers also said:
“Children's play is not just kids' stuff. Children's play is rather the stuff of most future inventions.”
Many experts agree (see footnotes) that play during all stages of childhood dramatically influences children’s cognitive development, social skills, emotional well-being, and physical health.
By encouraging active and imaginative play and finding time to purposefully engage with our kids and playing WITH them, we can build family bonds and keep their bodies and minds growing strong throughout childhood!
So the next time your child asks you to play, say “yes!”
Now… are you looking for last-minute Christmas gift ideas guaranteed to delight all the active, busy young kiddos in your life?
As promised, below are my pediatric-physical-therapist-approved toy recommendations for toddlers, preschoolers, and young school age kids, to encourage big muscle movements and gross motor milestones.
The Advent season is filled with the exciting and joyful anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child. Let’s also contemplate with exciting anticipation all the joys and successes, all the celebrations of future milestones, and the fun family moments we will share together this Christmas and beyond.
May your Christmas season be filled with joy, peace, and lots of active family fun!
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
Toys for kids 12 to 24 months: Babies this age and growing fast and working hard at standing and walking balance. Your little one will need to master squatting down and standing back up, standing up from the floor, walking while carrying toys, side-stepping and turning in a circle, stepping up and down a small curb, and going up and down stairs with help. She will be challenged by walking in grass, sand, or mulch. She will need to increase her core and hip strength too!
Indoor Slide with b-ball hoop
Toys for 2-year-olds: Your two-year-old toddler is running now and ready to start jumping in place, kicking, and climbing! He can walk up and down stairs by himself and is gaining confidence at the playground.
Spinning Turtle Water Sprinkler
Toys for 3-year-olds: Next, your busy kiddo will master standing on one foot, jumping forward, throwing and catching a ball, and riding a tricycle or balance bike!
Balance Beam Stepping Stone Set
Spinning Turtle Water Sprinkler
Toys for 4 to 5 year-olds: Kids this age are looking for more challenging gross motor activities. Your child will want to try skipping, hopping on one foot, and somersaults. He or she may even be interested in trying out certain sports organized for young children. Of course, games focused on active play are always a hit!
Spinning Turtle Water Sprinkler
Toys for kids 6+ years old: Your child should keep active with family activities such as skating, swimming, jumping rope, bike riding, hiking, pickleball, and simply playing in the backyard! Plus there are so many sports to choose from that are well organized for school-age kids!
Footnotes:
The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds
Want Creative, Curious, Healthier Children with 21st Century Skills? Let Them Play
The Science Is Clear: Play Is Critical for Children and Improves Well-Being for Adults
https://nifplay.org/play-science/summary-of-key-findings/
Trend Lines: The Importance of Play for Raising Independent Kids
Importance of Play in Early Childhood
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/curriculum/article/importance-play-early-childhood
