The Power of Play: Why Playtime Matters for Preschoolers
As a nurse practitioner and mom of young children, I’ve seen first hand how powerful play can be in helping young children to grow. Play nurtures emotional, social, and cognitive growth. I created Smart Play for Pre K, because I was struggling to find a go-to source for fun, screen-free activities for my kids to do. In this first post, I want to share why play is one of the most essential parts of early childhood development, and how you can support this play at home.
What is Purposeful Play?
Play isn’t just “downtime”. Play is how young children learn to problem-solve, build relationships, and explore their world. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls play “essential to development” and emphasizes that it “builds the foundation for a lifetime of learning and relationships.”
Purposeful play includes:
- Pretend play, like dress up or kitchen play
- Physical play, like running, climbing, or dancing
- Creative play, like drawing, painting, or building
Backed by Research: Why Play Matters
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics
“Play is fundamentally important for learning 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.”
In fact, regular play can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Strengthen executive functioning skills, like memory and attention
- Boost language and early math skills
- Help kids to form strong caregiver bonds
When kids are given time and space to play, they’re not just having fun. They are building their brains!
How to Encourage Smart Play at Home
Here are a few simple ways to support developmentally appropriate play in your daily routine:
- Create a play nook with open-ended toys. This could be blocks, playdough, or pretend food.
- Rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh and interesting.
- Play with your child. Even just 10 minutes a day of distraction-free connection can make a huge impact!
- Limit screen time and encourage free play instead
- As open-ended questions during play. “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you tell me about your drawing?”
My Mission: Make Play Easier (and Smarter!) for Parents
What will you find on this site?
- Easy activities that boost learning through fun
- Product recommendations that support developmentally appropriate play (some will include affiliate links, which incur no extra cost to you!)
- Insights from trusted resources like the AAP, CDC, and child development experts
Let’s simplify parenting and support your child’s growth- one activity at a time!
Save for Later
Want to learn more about the science of play? Check out the AAP’s article: The Power of Play.
Browse our favorite open-ended toys to spark creativity.
Legal Disclaimer
This post is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. I am a licensed nurse practitioner, but this blog does not establish a provider-patient relationship. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, or in any way manage the health or development of you or your child. Please consult your healthcare provider for individualized guidance.
