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Using Play to Combat Your Child’s Stress and Loneliness
Special to The Truth
With the pandemic
continuing to disrupt routines, you may have growing
anxieties about how the extended crisis will affect your
child’s social and emotional health long-term.
A new survey conducted by
OnePoll on behalf of the The Genius of Play -- a national
movement to educate parents and caregivers about play’s
vital role in child development -- examined the concerns of
parents with children ages 2–18. Here are some of the
findings, along with tips to counteract the negative effects
of quarantine:
Social Skills
Seven in 10 parents
believe spending a year in quarantine will have a lasting
effect on their child’s growth and development. Among those
parents, the top concern is that it’ll be more difficult for
their child to connect with people in-person in the future
(52%). Tied for second and third were concerns that it’ll be
more difficult for their child to play (44%) or make friends
in the future (also 44%) after being separated from their
peers.
“There are numerous
playtime activities that boost communication and social
skills, which can be adapted to this new reality,” says Anna
Yudina, senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy
Association.
During a period when
travel is limited, Yudina suggests playing “International
Menu” to help kids learn about the world. To play, pick a
location and discuss its local dishes. Then, give kids Play-Doh
to create them. Have kids play restaurant with their new DIY
meals. Using action figures and toys, try other roleplay
games that encourage interaction and communication skills
that kids may not have practiced for awhile. Classic board
games with questions and answers – like Guess Who? – can
also help kids build and retain their social skills.
Loneliness
Four in 10 parents worry
about their child’s mental health as a result of the
pandemic. What’s more, 72% of respondents say they believe
that during 2020 their child was lonelier than ever before.
That’s a feeling extending to parents themselves -- 58% said
they, too, were lonelier than ever.
“Whether building a
furniture fort, solving a puzzle or using a science kit,
collaborative play gives us an opportunity to connect and
combat loneliness while keeping children happy and
entertained,” says Yudina. “Playing together also offers
parents insights into their child’s world and what may be
causing their stress and anxiety.”
An arts and crafts session
presents an opportunity to connect with friends and family
who your child may be missing. Break out the paper,
stickers, markers, and safety scissors to create cards to
send to loved ones.
Be sure to organize
virtual playdates, too. The latest apps are making it easier
for kids to read, draw, act out plays, and watch movies
virtually with friends.
The Bright Side
Despite its difficulties,
parents indicated that this period has had silver linings.
When asked what positives have resulted from spending more
time at home over the past year, the top response was being
able to spend more time playing with their child (46%).
To get inspired to fill in
all those additional hours with play, visit
thegeniusofplay.org, a great online resource for parents
offering tons of play ideas.
“The long-lasting effects
of the pandemic are yet to be determined,” says Yudina. “In
the meantime, all this extended time at home is an excellent
opportunity for families to connect and play, keeping both
kids and adults social and active.”
Courtesy StatePoint
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