Holistic development is one of the biggest concerns parents have for their young especially in today’s times when there are limited opportunities to lead a healthy and active life. From a time when a child would spend the majority portion of a day playing outdoors to now when sedentary lifestyle is affecting children as well, the challenges in providing a healthy lifestyle are mounting.
To add to the burden of this global problem is the penetration of the internet and electronic gadgets and tons of social media apps in human lives that keep the parent and the child entertained and, in the process, glued to their mobile phones is only worsening the situation.
Playing with infants is important for their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. It is a holistic activity that offers many benefits including promoting bonding and trust. Physical development of a child is boosted when the child can play carefree. Playtime allows them to explore their environment, develop fine and gross motor skills, and strengthen their muscles and coordination.
Social development, also an important part of growing up today, is strengthened with playing as it helps the child learn social skills and team work such as taking turns, sharing, and cooperation. Additionally, emotional development of a child is also promoted while playing. Play activities allow children to express their emotions and help them in regulating their emotions.
One of the most important aspects of holistic development of a child, cognitive development is boosted with adequate playing. It helps a child develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, attention, and memory. It also promotes language development, as they hear new words and concepts during play.
Aiding stress management
When a child plays, the physical activity stimulates the child’s imagination and creativity that in turn helps the child to learn and develop in a fun and engaging way. Like any physical activity, playing also helps in reducing stress, physical and mental. It helps in the reduction of stress of the children and their parents or caregivers at the same time, by providing a break from the daily mundane routine and by promoting relaxation.
By playing with infants, caregivers can help support their development across all areas, while also creating a positive and enjoyable experience for each other. It’s important to remember that playtime should be safe and supervised, and that infants should always be closely monitored to ensure their safety and well-being.
Toys are an essential part of childhood, as they play a significant role in a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development i.e., holistic development. However, it is crucial to remember that toys can also pose potential hazards to children if not chosen and used correctly.
Children develop at different rates, and toys should be selected based on a child’s age, development, and skill level. Age-appropriate toys help children learn, explore, and develop skills while keeping them safe.
Young children, for instance, should be given toys that are large enough not to be swallowed, have no sharp edges, and are soft and easy to grasp. Older children can be given toys that require more dexterity, such as building blocks or puzzles.
Safety issues with toys
Despite the many benefits of toys, some can pose potential hazards to children. For instance, toys with small parts can present a choking hazard to young children, while toys with sharp edges or corners can cause injury. Additionally, toys made with toxic materials or chemicals can pose health risks to children if ingested.
Toys must be safe for children to play with, and parents and caregivers must take precautions to ensure this. Choose toys that are suitable for a child’s age, development, and skill level. This can help prevent choking hazards, as well as avoid frustration and boredom.
Look for toys that meet quality and safety standards set by reputable organisations. Regularly inspect toys for damage, wear and tear, or broken pieces that can cause injury. Discard or repair toys that are no longer safe.
Supervise children when playing with toys, especially those that require parental guidance. This can help prevent accidents and injuries. Store toys safely and appropriately to prevent potential hazards, such as tripping, falling, or suffocation.
Children explore the world through touch and taste, and it is essential to choose toys made of safe materials that are free from harmful chemicals. Parents should be careful about toys made of cheap plastic, which may contain lead or other toxic materials. Toys made of natural materials, such as wood or fabric, are often safer than plastic toys.
Parents should also avoid buying cheap, low-quality plastic toys that may contain toxic chemicals. Instead, choose toys made of safer materials like natural wood or organic cotton
Finding alternatives
Toys made of high-quality, non-toxic plastics are safe for children to play with. These plastics do not contain harmful chemicals like lead or phthalates, which can be dangerous to a child’s health. Eco-friendly toys are made from sustainable and non-toxic materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. They are durable, safe, and environmentally friendly.
Some plastic toys contain toxic chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), lead, and cadmium, that can be harmful to children’s health. These chemicals are used to soften or add color to plastic toys, but they can leach out and be ingested or absorbed through the skin.
To protect children from these hazardous chemicals, it is essential to select plastic toys that are free from phthalates, BPA, lead, and cadmium. Look for toys that are labelled as “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free” and check for safety certifications which sets safety standards for toys.
Parents should also avoid buying cheap, low-quality plastic toys that may contain toxic chemicals. Instead, choose toys made of safer materials like natural wood or organic cotton. By being vigilant about the safety of plastic toys and choosing safer alternatives, parents can help protect their children from potential health hazards.
The creative process
For a child, there is nothing more satisfying, enjoyable and fulfilling than the process of being able to express freely and openly. It is very important for a child to be able to do so for a healthy emotional development.
A child is born creative and it is essential for the parent to boost his creativity. Playing is a great way of doing so and many means and modes are now available where playful activities are used to nurture and develop a child’s creative side.
Creative experiences also help a child explore and cope with his feelings and deep emotions. It helps a child in trying out new ideas and new ways of thinking, problem-solving, new outlets of imagination and free thinking which is conducive to emotional health and overall well-being.