What you read shapes the basic foundation of how you see the world. This impact on the early years is one of the most important times. Even as adults, we remember some of the old classic storybooks over the years that lauded those who actually studied hard for an exam and those who were busy playing, ending up on the shorter end.
While there’s nothing wrong with that message on the surface, upon deeper introspection, you can’t help but wonder what kind of impression it is sending out about maintaining study-play balance to our little ones and our lives. We have stepped into a hustle mentality as compared to a play and enjoy state of mind.
But what concerns me is the notion of “Play” being prioritized for only the well-flaring lot. It is somehow established that play is like a reward only available to the chosen ones. It’s very fundamental.
EACH CHILD DESERVE PLAY. EVERYONE ACTUALLY!
Not just the “INTELLIGENT” one.
Not just the overly “SINCERE” one.
Not just the “ATHELETICALLY” gifted one.
PLAY is not a privilege. It’s a necessity.
And our picture storybooks need to stop telling otherwise. There is no argument you are the biggest benefactor of your child.We feel the ones who aren’t performing well in academia need more sitting time, assignments, and focused practice sessions. The “ideal” ones are busy playing, and once you’ve caught up, you can join them.
The picture books online for kids today ought to be a gentle guide to help them navigate life in its vibrancy. Neither painting an overly idealistic of roses and lilies nor a rulebook of morals and ethics. We need to go into their world to help them step up as responsible, healthy (physically and mentally), and socially cultivated individuals.
Why Play? What Additional Value Do You Stand to Gain from Play?
Isn’t Play just a reset mechanism for the kids?
Children, young people and adults benefit from play in terms of their intellectual, physical, interpersonal, and emotional well-being.
Interactions with other children and themselves via play help them see the world without a filter. They also develop skills that will help them in their studies, careers, and personal relationships, such as, confidence, resilience, quick critical-thinking, social skills, emotional understanding, and problem-solving skill.
Parents may bond with their toddlers and make lifetime memories when they play.
A parent or caregiver can encourage and participate in their child's play, but they must not dictate what unfolds. If your child is not interested in play time, a nice Storytime with creative animal storybooks that entices them to step out might be just the idea you were looking for.
They must provide their children with leisure, independence, and the opportunity to play. The child will not embrace their play experiences if an adult makes all the decisions regarding how, what, and when they play.
Lessons from Pete the Pony, another one of the picture storybooks, has adopted a more life-like approach to engaging children. They accompany Pete in his daily journey and uncover some basic life lessons in a fun manner.