The Importance of Play

DYK? Play promotes healthy child development and helps maintain solid parent-child bonds. Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.

Most parents and families head to playgrounds to get a break and ensure children receive much-needed exercise. For them, it’s all about letting their children release excess energy. It does feel good when children are tired by the end of a long day. It allows families to do some work, household chores or relax without interruptions. For teachers and providers, a trip to the playground promotes healthy youth development and helps children engage and interact in the world around them through free play. Keep in mind that it’s critical to actively supervise children on playgrounds. 

Teachers and Providers: Partner with parents and families to ensure children enjoy safe playtime at the playground. Start by sharing this downloadable resource:

1. E-mail to parents and families.
2. Share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the Hashtag #SeekOutdoorAdventures.
3. Download, print and distribute to parents and families.
4. Place on the family communication board.

Parents and Families: Nearly 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls. Lack of or improper supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground related injuries. Follow the steps below to keep your children safe at the playground. 

Discover more safety tips to download and share with families:

• Safety and Injury Prevention Tips for Families
• Home Fire Escape Plan
• Open Water Safety Checklist
• Home Safety Tips
• Pool Safety Checklist (Tips for Parents)
• Toy Safety Tips
• Heat Stroke: Could it happen to your child?
• Personal Story of Losing a Child to a Heatstroke

Open PDF in a new window to download and print.