Unstructured Play is essential to children’s mental health because it…
builds resilience,
When children experience the uncertainty of challenging or risky play, they can develop emotional reactions, physical capabilities and coping skills that expand their capacity to manage adversity. These skills are important for resilience and good mental health in childhood and into adolescence.
promotes positive feelings,
When children engage in unstructured play, they report feeling joy, thrill, and competence. When they don't, they report feeling bored, sad, and angry.
improves concentration,
Unstructured play is associated with improved attention span, especially in children who have trouble focusing for long periods of time.
+ improves
undesirable behaviors.
Studies with schools report fewer problems with undesirable behaviors like bullying when unstructured play is increased. When children lead their own play, they can engage in social and emotional learning, such as the ability to control aggression and regulate feelings of anger and frustration.
helps develop
& maintain
healthy relationships,
Evidence indicates that unstructured play can provide the opportunity to improve social competence. This means that children can improve their problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to empathize. Children can become more self-aware and are better able to compromise and cooperate.
When paired with Conscious Discipline, the whole child is supported for optimal growth. What is Conscious Discipline?
