Benefits of Play: Emotional

Engaging in play helps children to gain self-confidence and increase self-esteem. Play is also thought to reduce or eliminate symptoms of stress and depression, and is an effective way to help children, in the words of children's songwriter Raffi, 'shake their sillies out', so they can focus on other necessary tasks. When the child has fun and enjoyment in their playtime, they will 'feel good' about themselves and about what they're doing. There are many ways through which play can produce these benefits that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Self Concept / Self Esteem

A child's self-confidence and self-esteem are enhanced through play when they are able to achieve the goals that they set. This achievement through play will enable the child to appraise his or her own strengths and abilities, and as a result the child will develop self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. The experience of success is provided through play leading children to accept future challenges.

Express Feelings

Play allows for a healthier, more socially acceptable way of expressing one's feelings and opinions. Children are able to express negative emotions through play which will in turn reduce aggression. Expressing feelings through play will allow a child to work through their problems, rather than internalizing them. In doing this the child will be forming a basis for a healthy emotional, mental, social, and physical well-being by learning how to manage their emotions in a socially acceptable way.

Experience Happiness and Joy

Play provides great pleasure, joy, and freedom. Through play children will learn to embrace humor and laughter. These are crucial components for building effective coping skills and relaxation techniques. In addition they will help to reduce stress through the experience of fun. 

Benefits of Play: Mental

As part of a successful play experience, children must be alert, engaged, and focused on the activity in order to be rewarded with the experience they hope for and expect. Lots of decisions and choices are made throughout the experience - "Which piece of the puzzle goes in THIS space?" "Do I pass the ball, or keep it?" "Do I press this command button to fire my lasers, or the other button to jump out of the way?" "What game do I want to play today at recess, and with whom?" "Is this skateboarding trick too difficult to try? What if I fail?" "Do I go biking today, or stay in to read" and, on an even more basic level "Am I interested in this activity, or would I rather do something else?" Play stimulates minds, and allows the child to develop many functional skills as a result.

Develop Problem Solving Skills

Through the expression of preference over what activity to play or which toy to play with; children learn to develop decision making skills. Play helps children recognize the need to prioritize as they are unable to play with every toy at the same time, which in turn teaches children to compromise and share. Making choices give children a sense of independence, as they discover that they can solve the problems they are faced with by themselves.

Reinforcement of Academic & Daily Living Skills

Play experiences allow children to internalize the skills they learn at school. In play, children discriminate between colors, shape, and sizes. They may use a clock or play money in a particular activity making the things taught in school reality in everyday life. Play also, helps children to manage personal belongings, and cultivates a sense of responsibility.