Play important for children's emotional development

22 Dec 2008

Play forms a key part of child development in that it helps kids learn "to cope with stressful situations through developing creative approaches and problem solving skills", experts say.

Lisa Davis, policy officer at Play England, highlighted the significance of safe play time for children by explaining that play is an important contributing factor to a child's emotional development.

"Because of the key role of emotions in the process of playing, play makes a major contribution to developing emotion regulation," she said.

"It helps children build strong attachments and peer friendships, engendering positive feelings… Play enables children to adapt to their unique and complex environments."

Play England recently reported that children need both time and space to play at school.

Meanwhile, experts from awareness group My School Lunch suggest that school meals help educate children on adopting a healthy lifestyle by encouraging them to try new foods.

According to research from the Liberal Democrats, UK families pay over £300 on average per child, per year, for school meals.

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