Boost Self Esteem Through Play

Children boost self esteem through play by developing an understanding of themselves and others, increasing their mastery and knowledge of their physical world,
and learning to communicate.

Play is essential to children's development to boost self esteem by contributing to their

physical

social

cognitive

emotional

and spiritual wellbeing

.

Unfortunately, time and opportunities for free play have noticeably reduced for many children today.

Learning to have the ability to focus and concentrate for long periods, as well as the opportunity to boost self esteem comes about through free play.

By free play we mean opportunities to play freely and safely without the demands of adults and with no time constraint. To be able to let go into the present moment and become lost and absorbed in the activity, alone or playing with others.

For children, play is their work time.

Why the Loss of Play Time?

Why are children being deprived of play opportunities?
In the ever increasing marketing of hi-technology games for children, educational DVD's, television programmes and other structured activities, children are losing their natural ability for creativity.

Parents often follow media and marketing trends in the hope that they will boost self esteem and intelligence in their children. Many forget how important it is for a child to lose himself in concentrated, imaginative play.

Another reason is that in many places, children's free time playing out of doors has been greatly reduced, if not curtailed completely, because of fear of strangers, media publicity of child attacks, and an increasing sense that neighbourhoods are no longer safe.

boost self esteem

Play creates constant opportunities for inner growth and mastery, as adults respond to their child's innate imaginative play.

For example, in games such as hide and seek, peek a boo, and playing pretend house, children can:

learn to interact with other children and adults

learn about taking turns

learn about sharing

learn about communicating

learn about achieving mastery

learn about playing with others

As toddlers develop, pretend play often takes centre stage in their playing time and many a first time parent is simply awed at their toddler's ability to initiate and understand the concept of pretending.

Children learn and express what they feel and understand about their world through complex action during play and take on intricate role playing.

Many parents are shocked to see themselves as examples of expert mimicry, and often recognise with dismay as well as mirth, some of their own actions being copied and practiced by their toddlers.

Boost Self Esteem Activities:
Suggestions For Supporting Children's Imaginative Play

Schedule large amounts of free time
Let your children know they can relax and concentrate.

Let your child know that he doesn't have to hurry, doesn't have to clean up right away, can make a big mess, will have all morning, or all day, or until next Friday, or whatever.

Talk with your children about their play

Sometimes play with them fully so they see and know how much you value play. Get involved in providing suggestions, activities, ingredients, props, play clothes and ideas. Child proof some areas so that safety is not too problematic.

Create special play times when you can tell your child :

You don't have to hurry

You can have all the time you need.

How To Promote Play To Boost Self Esteem For Your Toddler

Your Toddler:

Needs a safe environment in which to play and explore
Enjoys sandpits, swings, slides, playgrounds, swimming pools and walking
Likes to imitate by pretending to perform adult tasks
Benefits from play in water, dirt, sand and with leaves, sticks and stones.

Enjoys large cardboard boxes and many other non-toy play things.

As A Parent:

Do provide the time and space for concentrated play activities.
Childproof and create safe play areas
Do allow your child to help with chores, work at the kitchen bench, do cleaning
Do read to your child at least daily
Provide your child with housekeeping toys such as a toy vacuum, pots and pans, brooms and mops, cleaning cloths
Control television watching and technological toys
Walk outside often, play in nature, explore, ramble and swim together
Never underestimate the power of music to relax, enliven and teach your child

Boost Self Esteem by:
Creating Parenting Magic - inject fun into the constant responsibility of parenting.

Boost Self Esteem through:
Spiritual Parenting which allows you to nurture your child's spirituality by creating magic through dancing, music and nature, and through sharing feelings and imagination.