Play is a critical part of children’s development.  It is how kids learn to interact with one another and the world around them.  When kids play, they improve both physical and mental skills.  Play is never a “waste of time.”

These days as we stay home more often, there is a temptation to park in front of the TV.  Make sure your kids get to play in these three critical ways.

Co-operative play

Co-operative play teaches your children to get along with other people.  Children who only engage in solitary activities struggle to make connections with others.

In situations where older children can’t socialize in person, multiplayer video games can offer an outlet for co-operative play.  Take time to watch your kids play so you can learn about the games they like and provide appropriate guidance.  Teach them what to do when someone online makes them feel uncomfortable.  Remind them never to give out personal information online – people they’ve played with might not feel like “strangers.”  Also set reasonable limits for video games and other sorts of “screen time.”

Physical activity

Physical activity is necessary for good health.  Some children will prefer “free-form” activities where they can swim, skate, hike or bike where they want to, rather than competing.  Others may enjoy organized sports or classes such as dance, karate, or swimming.  The important part is that children learn that it is fun to move their bodies.

Imaginative play

Imaginative play lets your children expand their thinking skills.  This is play where children themselves invent their own fun—role-playing, make-believe, using toys to act out adventures, building their own fort.  Children’s imaginations will grow if they are not always held to following the rules of someone else’s game.  There is definitely a place for sports, online games and board games.  But they should not be the only games that children play.

Chiropractic care supports growing bodies

Children, like adults, benefit from regular chiropractic care.

Many childhood injuries, particularly aches, soreness, or discomfort, are often dismissed as “growing pains.”  But kids can develop strain injuries over time just as adults do.

Active bodies of all ages thrive with proper support.

If your children haven’t been to see a chiropractor before, it’s time to schedule their first appointment.  Sheppard Chiropractic Centre treats children of all ages.  Contact us at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 to make a new patient appointment.