Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alessandra Prioreschi, Associate Director and Researcher at the Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand
Published on 2024-04-15 13:50:21
Play is not just a fun activity for children; it is how they learn, explore their surroundings, and engage in physical movement. It plays a crucial role in nurturing their social, emotional, and cognitive skills, as well as in bonding with caregivers. Just like exercise is important for adult health, playtime is essential for children’s development.
In South Africa, guidelines have been established to ensure children receive adequate sleep, physical activity, and limited sedentary time from birth, following international standards. Children under two years old should have ample tummy time and active play with parents, while minimizing time spent in car seats or strollers.
Research has shown that South African babies often do not meet these recommendations, spending excessive time restrained or in front of screens. Screen time is not recommended for children under two and should be limited to one hour per day for older children.
Engaging in play helps children reach developmental milestones faster and promotes better social, emotional, and cognitive development while reducing the risk of obesity. These benefits translate to better health and well-being in adulthood.
Storytelling is a valuable way to bond with children and promote language development and attention. Reading aloud to babies from an early age helps them learn words and develop cognition. It also encourages calmness and can serve as a soothing bedtime routine.
Tummy time is crucial for babies’ motor and cognitive skills. It should begin from birth and gradually increase in duration, allowing babies to explore their environment and develop strength for movements like crawling and standing. Encouraging exploration through safe obstacle courses and engaging with them at their level can enhance their development.
Singing and dancing with babies can be a fun and stimulating activity, promoting language skills and physical movement. Imagination plays a key role in children’s understanding of the world, and incorporating play into everyday activities fosters learning and development.
By creating a safe and playful environment for children to explore, parents can contribute to their health, happiness, and confidence. Embracing the mess and joy that come with play can be one of the greatest gifts parents give to their children.
