«Children need space to play»

Mrs Wustmann Seiler, how important is free play for the development and well-being of children?
Children need space for imaginative and creative play in everyday life. In free play with others, they explore the world and deal with topics that are important to them. They experiment with different roles, try out communication and conflict resolution skills, test boundaries and experience friendships. Playing together with others is the key to building social relationships. Young children learn through play. Through play, they process their interests, fears, disappointments and worries. Without play, self-control and other important cognitive and social functions are less likely to develop positively.

What influence do parents have on the development of play behaviour?
Parents play a central role in creating a stimulating play and learning environment, especially in the first years of life. What parents think about children's play, what play experiences they themselves have and how they get involved in children's play has a major impact on how, where and with whom children play. By asking open questions, providing new impulses for play or suggesting additional play opportunities, parents can expand children's play and enable new experiences.

Where is adult involvement in play beneficial and where is it not useful?
Adults should neither lead nor dominate children's play, as this inhibits children's enjoyment of play and autonomy. Play among children has a different quality than play with adults. However, the presence, availability and involvement of adults are also important during free play - for example to provide help, comfort and emotional security. This gives children a safe framework. Ideally, parents should use playful behaviour to create an environment that integrates children into play activities and invites them to playfully, joyfully and actively explore their environment themselves.