Children play less and stop playing before
To play It entertains, entertains and also educates. It is one of the most recommended activities for the little ones and it is also advisable to share with them. However, in recent years children have reduced the time devoted to these purposes and also stop doing so before, missing some of the best experiences in their physical and emotional development.
This is one of the conclusions reached by the Crecer Jugando Foundation in the publication that he made last May 28th on the occasion of the International Day of the Game. A day in which from the Observatory of Children's Games is remembered that "the game free is the essential mechanism of education in childhood, because through it children start in the cultural heritage, the traditions of their community, their values and norms.
Increased childhood anxiety
The study conducted by the Spanish Association of Toy Manufacturers, children show the same interests as adults early. One of the reasons that has given rise to this situation is that the step to the institute happens with 11 years and not with 14, since the jump to the secondary one implies, almost always, a rejection to the referents of the children's world, and games and toys are the main references.
While play time has decreased, cases of childhood anxiety have increased. This is stated in the article of the "American Journal of Play" entitled "The decline of the game and the increase in psychopathology." In the past 50 years Free play with other children has been reduced significantly while cases of stress, depression or feelings of helplessness have increased among children, adolescents and young adults.
Throughout the years, the game has been the essence of childhood. "Subtracting children's space and time to play means preventing them, not only one of their fundamental rights, but in the end, the ability to live their childhood to the full," says Gonzalo Jover, director of the Children's Game Observatory.
Fewer playmates
The brothers have always been the best companions of game par excellence and the closest to share these experiences. Currently the birth rate has been reduced and there are more cases of families with only children. In this way it is more difficult for children to have someone nearby.
Faced with this situation, the importance of play in the development of the youngest is remembered. These activities contribute to:
- Develop intrinsic competences and interests
- Learn how to make decisions, solve problems, have self-control and follow rules. These rules, in addition, do not have to be written or be explicit, but are understood by the participants in the game.
- Learn how to regulate and control your emotions.
- Make friends and learn from others as equals.
Damián Montero
