Have you Let Kids Play For Real………

 Have you remembered those days when we were young and use to play the patintero and the taguan?  Who hear did the Chinese garter and the tumbang preso, we are so care free and time seems to just pass by because we are  happy to just play. 

Now that we are parent, don’t you think that it’s time that our children also experience those moments? With all the gadgets and technology that keep out children busy, it seems that they will not truly know what childhood is all about. Those were the time, the great times………….

The good news is, there is a company that believes that there is real play for children and they make it a point to bring it back to us to enjoy. Johnson recently lets us experience how it is to be a child again, as in play with the sun on our back. It was truly a day to remember because we are enjoying the day together with our children

Johnson’s and child development experts rally for active sensorial play to enhance a child’s holistic development.

In a society that is highly becoming digital by the minute comes the massive proliferation of gadget use. It is said that 36% of Filipinos have about 10 gadgets per household*, thus making the use of gadgets a necessity for daily living. At home, gadgets have turned into toys given by parents to their kids – in fact, kids today start tapping on tablets as early as nine months old. Giving them the latest gadgets has been a way for parents to give their kids so much more, with their digital acumen considered as an advantage. 

While it is true that gadget play can teach children in many ways, it is through active sensory play when all their five senses are awakened to discover and learn the world around them.  This has been proven by Johnson’s baby in a social experiment to see how children respond to gadget play versus real play. Captured in a heartwarming film, this initiative has unveiled the wonders of learning using the five senses through active play – as witnessed by the moms themselves.

“As a brand committed to the happy, healthy development of children, we at Johnson’s believe that every activity that a child does can mean so much more to him,” says Trina Tanlapco, Johnson’s Associate Marketing Director. “Active play is integral and essential in the holistic development of children to let them discover the world around them. As a brand, this is something we would like to keep reminding parents of. With the information and products we offer, parents can let their children turn playtime to a time of learning while they #playforreal. ”

Apart from fostering the bond between parent and child, it is during active play when all five senses of the child are awake, making him more receptive to learning the world around him. According to Fiona Sandoval, a licensed clinical psychologist and play therapist, a child reaps the maximum benefits of active play when his senses are enhanced and maximized in these activities. “The brain grows up to 90% of its adult size from birth up to five years old. It is important that all the different senses get stimulated in activities like active play during this period so that the neurons and brain connections are formed better. If this is achieved, there will be more synapses and connections, which can optimize the brain development.”

“In sensory play, children develop their fine motor, language and cognitive skills. The stimulated senses work hand in hand in helping a child achieve holistic development,” she adds.

Meanwhile, Monica Javier, a teacher who has worked with preschool children for more than ten years, also adds that active sensorial play help children prepare for bigger things ahead of them which is why it is encouraged to be integrated in early education. “More than fun and entertainment, play actually helps children to expand their knowledge about themselves, allows communication with others, develop new competencies that may prepare them for challenges of the bigger environment.”

In school, sensorial activities are used to teach children about different concepts. For example, encouraging them to play and explore with blocks allow children to distinguish shapes, sizes and weight; it also encourages them to plan strategically. Providing opportunities to paint with different implements or with their body develops creativity and teaches them about colors and textures. Running, jumping, crawling or any form of movement can help them develop gross motor skills. Pretend play in these areas encourages communication among them.

“Sensory activities allow children to go through a scientific process in a very natural way. While playing, they ask questions, predict, make hypothesis, test hypothesis and make conclusions,” shares Javier.

For mom Kris De Guzman, a mother of two, introducing sensory play to her children balances out their time from other forms of play. It also makes them more imaginative, creative, and resourceful in the activities that they do together. “At home, bath time is also playtime for my kids. We play with bubbles, make up stories, and learn about body parts. Through simple activities like this, we are able to make enjoyable moments together and strengthen our connection toward each other,” says de Guzman.

Indeed, playtime can mean so much more, so let your kids #playforreal. To learn more about how you can do sensory play at home or in your school, visit https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonsBabyPhilippines.