By Katie Riley

In accordance with occupational therapy’s holistic approach to health care, AOTA is a supporter of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9.

The American Occupational Therapy Association offers tips for play that promotes physical and mental growth and development.
 
Playtime is more than just something to occupy time and burn off pent up energy for little ones. The opportunity for children to throw a ball, draw a picture, or explore a playground offers engagement in their primary occupation: play. Play is important to children’s physical and mental health.
 
“Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them,” says Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, Pediatric Coordinator of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). “They develop motor skills like jumping and clapping, but they also develop social skills like sharing and turn-taking. Research shows that playtime like recess helps to increase mood and attention, and this may in turn lead to stronger academic performance and pro-social behavior in school.”
 
Family members and friends of the family like Savvy Aunties - and uncles of course - are important contributors to learning during playtime. Kids learn about following rules and getting along with others. By instilling play as an important family routine, you help to reduce the impact of sedentary lifestyles that could lead to conditions, such as obesity or depression. Even sharing special leisure pursuits like baking with your niece or nephew teaches about your family culture and values.
 
Here are some ideas for making the most of playtime with kids of all ages:
 
Early Childhood
Infants enjoy looking at bright colors and mobiles, participating in activities that involve their arms and legs, feeling different textures of age-appropriate toys, and hearing the sounds your voice makes when you read books and sing songs. Toddlers enjoy scribbling with crayons, reading books together, toys that make sounds, sing-alongs, pretend play with puppets and dress-up clothes, construction play, puzzles, and activities that promote taking turns. This age group is learning that their actions have an impact on the world around them, so think cause/effect toys when playing.
 
Elementary School
Children in elementary school are learning to follow rules and express themselves. Playtime for children this age should include a balance between structured and free play. Some examples are physical activities like bike riding or taking a nature walk, and creative exploration like crafts or performing arts. Play can be a structured game of soccer with your neighborhood children, or it can be as simple as kicking a ball between the two of you.
 
Middle School
Exploration of social relationships is important for this age group. Pre-teens and teens like to do things in groups like go to the mall, play team sports, and participate in afterschool clubs. Showing an interest in your pre-teen and teenage niece’s or nephew’s likes and dislikes is important to occupying their time. Try to participate in leisure activities that can help strengthen family ties, such as a board games or hiking. Talk about the types of music they enjoy or movies they have recently seen to spark conversation. Offering a sense of belonging in your family can build the foundation for a wonderful friendship with your niece or nephew.
 
High School and Beyond
Since teens gravitate toward screen-based activities, involving phones, computers and televisions, encourage afterschool physical activities, such as sports, yoga or dance. Creative leisure like art, music and literature promote lifelong routines of personal expression and relaxation. Explore recreational facilities and neighborhood parks. Have conversations or debates about current events, their budding political views, hobbies, and sports teams they belong to. Additionally, a conversation about balancing work and play can be helpful for teens who are juggling many activities.

For more ideas and to learn more about the importance of play, tune in to a virtual Pediatric Chat on Infant Mental Health at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 9, 2013. The chat will feature experts in pediatric occupational therapy who will discuss the impact of recess of mental wellness. A recording will be available after the chat is complete. To learn more about occupational therapy’s role in recess promotion and the importance of play, download a copy of this tip sheet: Building Play Skills for Healthy Children and Families or visit www.aota.org.

Photo: marin
Published: May 7, 2013