Nurturing Young Minds Through The Joy Of Play

New Delhi: In a lively neighborhood not too long ago, children spent their days outdoors, laughing together, climbing trees, and creating their own adventures. Their imaginations sparked as they built castles in the sand or played games with friends. Fast forward to now, and many kids are glued to screens, missing out on the joy of play.

To celebrate childhood through play and promote less screen time, "Bachpan Manao," an initiative by Ekstep and NDTV, aims to revive the magic of play in early childhood and underscore its importance for children's growth.

The Importance Of Early Engagement

During the formative years, a child's brain is highly receptive and adaptable, making it a prime opportunity for nurturing their interests and talents. Research shows that positive interactions through playful activities not only enhance cognitive skills but also build emotional connections between children and their caregivers.

Rohini Nilekani, Co-Founder and Director of Ekstep Foundation, emphasises the impact of early engagement:

"When we show young children things with care and love, they learn a lot and quickly. In the first few years of life, millions of neuronal connections get created every second in the small brain. If we make that very solid, it's gonna be great and can help a lot in learning.”

This highlights the idea that when parents and caregivers engage with children through play, it helps them learn and grow in amazing ways. The initiative urges families to cherish and prioritize playtime.

Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief of Policy and Partnerships at the Ekstep Foundation, stresses the magic that happens during these early years:

"Pay attention to the first eight years; something magical is happening. By focusing more on play, we unlock opportunities for children to develop important skills.”

The Vital Role of Play Play isn't just for fun; it's essential for a child's growth. Dr. Zirak Marker, a child psychologist, emphasizes that much of a child's learning occurs during play. He shares:

"Ninety percent of all your learning and pathways happen because of neuroplasticity. Play helps children develop social skills, manage their emotions, and learn lessons in kindness and empathy that are vital for their future.”

Free play nurtures creativity and imagination, providing a safe space for children to experiment with ideas and create new narratives. Mrunal Shah, founder of Sunday Bricks, points out,

"If there's hands-on learning, children will always learn, and that's the key to keeping them engaged."

Moreover, Harpreet Singh Grover, an Independent Researcher on Parenting, advises,

“You should say ‘No' to the child with love, and it's essential to surround them with life; there must be loving adults around them.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sunisha Ahuja, a UNICEF Education Specialist, reminds us,

“We must remember that play is incredibly important. We should celebrate play. Parents often think the child is getting bored, but the child is not bored at all. The child is just exploring.”

The future of our children, and the world they will create, depends on the rich experiences they develop today through the power of play.

Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, emphasizes practical approaches, stating,

“Parents should learn four essential things: communication, exercise, play, and reflection; these are vital for children's development.”

Conclusion

"Bachpan Manao" is a reminder to embrace the joy of play, just like we did in our own childhoods. It calls on parents, grandparents, and caregivers to join in on the fun and create unforgettable moments with children. By making time for play today, we help build a brighter, more connected future for our little ones. Let's come together to ensure every child experiences the joy and benefits of play, filling their lives with laughter, learning, and love.