Do you still remember who your favorite childhood playmate was?
For some, it’s someone from their family like siblings, cousins, or even parents. And for others, it could be their classmates or neighbors.
What happens when a child plays with other children?
“Playing with other children develops a child's social and communication skills," explained Sierra Paraan, Save the Children's Basic Education Advisor. (WATCH: Parents, do you play with your children?)
“It’s important for children to learn how to interact with others without arguing and fighting," she added.
Playing with others also teaches a child how to manage one’s emotions and behavior, while also being considerate of other children’s feelings.
“By interacting and gaining self-control, children learn the importance of cooperation, honesty, sharing, and giving chances to others,” Paraan said.
"When children deal with frustrations and losses during games, it helps improve their socio-emotional abilities."
Winning isn’t everything
Before letting your children play with others, parents should also teach their kids that winning isn’t the most important thing in the world.
“When playing, children don’t have to win all the time,” stressed Paraan.
“For example, when children play with blocks, it’s not necessary for them to do it ‘correctly,’ or for them to build the tallest building,” Paraan explained.
“Because the process of playing itself is more important than the child’s output.”
What matters the most is for children to have fun while also learning new skills, exercising good values, and making new friends.
Let your kids enjoy their childhood. Teach them the value of friendship, and recognize the role of playing in learning.
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