Mar 22, 2022 Why Is Play Important for Children?

Hamilton children playing

Children develop many different skills through play. During play, children all allowed to use their creativity and imagination. As they create scenarios, they use their dexterity, physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Through play children learn how to engage and interact with the world around them. When they are playing with adults, they are seeing behaviors modeled for them and when they are playing with peers they are learning how to share, resolve conflicts, and advocate for themselves.

When a child is not given adequate time for play, all of their systems are affected. If they are sitting in front of a screen for several hours a day, they are not moving. They are not using their imagination. They are not using their hands to develop fine motor skills. They are not interacting with others to develop social and emotional skills.

Technology is not the enemy, but too much screen time can decrease a child’s opportunity to learn. Children’s main avenue of learning is through play. Whether you are a parent, or someone who has children in their lives, take the time to play with them.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, please seek professional attention. If gross motor skills is your concern, I can help!

BY: Christie J. Grover, PT, MPT
RWJ Rehab at Delaware Valley

Christie J. Grover, PT, DPT, Cert MDTChristie J. Grover, PT, DPT, Cert MDT
Phone: (609) 896–9054

Christie is a physical therapist and works in the RWJ Rehabilitation at Delaware Valley office in Lawrenceville, NJ. She graduated from Hahnemann University and has also received a certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine from The McKenzie Institute. Christie has a special interest in the treatment of infants with torticollis. A hands-on manual therapist, Christie partners with her patients to develop an individual treatment plan to help meet her patient’s goals.

The RWJ Rehabilitation at Delaware Valley office looks forward to assisting you. Please call our office at (609) 896–9054 to schedule an appointment.