While materialistic expressions of love may abound during the holiday season, a greater sense of regard for intangible life treasures such as health and happiness for the people in your life who matter most is also prevalent.
The holiday season is officially here, bringing with it the promise of exciting opportunities to relax and unwind, spend quality time with family and friends, and celebrate a brand new year. For many people, finding time to attend parties, confirming final details for vacations, shopping until you drop and putting smiles on kids’ faces are among the primary concerns.
We know that kids’ earliest experiences have lasting effects throughout their lives. Well, what about the long term effects of playtime in their early life? Young children learn and begin to understand the world around them through play.
New parents have a lot to think about as they drive home from the hospital with their newborn: feeding schedules, nap time, bath time, changing the first diaper, making sure there are no sharp edges, plugging electrical outlets.
Often dismissed as childish, play may actually be the most important way for young children to grow, learn about their surroundings, and build stronger brains. Play allows young children to hone their attention spans and to learn to focus on specific tasks.
