How encouraging tweens to play can improve their self-esteem

Encouraging tweens to play can have a significant impact on their self-esteem. Play provides an opportunity for tweens to explore, experiment, and learn new skills. Here are some ways play can improve their self-esteem:

Boosts confidence: Play allows tweens to try new things and take risks without fear of failure. As they successfully complete new challenges, they gain confidence in their abilities.

Develops social skills: Play often involves interaction with others, which helps tweens develop social skills such as communication, collaboration, and empathy. As they develop positive relationships with peers through play, their self-esteem grows.

Provides a sense of control: Tweens often feel like they have little control over their lives. Play provides an opportunity for them to make choices and take control of their environment, which can help them feel more empowered and confident.

Promotes creativity: Play encourages tweens to use their imagination and think outside the box. As they explore different ideas and possibilities, they develop a sense of creativity and innovation, which can boost their self-esteem.

Improves problem-solving skills: Play often involves solving puzzles or overcoming obstacles, which helps tweens develop problem-solving skills. As they successfully overcome challenges, they gain confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations.

Overall, play provides a safe and enjoyable space for tweens to develop important skills and build their self-esteem. Encouraging tweens to engage in play can help them feel more confident, empowered, and capable in their daily lives.

Play could mean different things for different teens. For one kid, fun could be an hour spent building a car out of old cardboard boxes or even playing catch with their dog, while for another kid it could mean playing a game of chess or painting rocks.

Board games, art and craft projects, designing animation, or coding—all come under the category of “play,” as long as they are relaxing and fun!

Of course, nothing beats sports like swimming, cycling, and even some spin classes. So when it comes to play, just think of it as free time where they’re enjoying, expressing, and going around doing what they love.

Why should children be encouraged to play sports?

Encouraging children to play sports can have numerous benefits, not just for their physical health but also for their mental, social, and emotional well-being.

Sports allow children to learn important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience while encouraging them to have fun and stay active. They also teach them how to accept defeat and come back stronger!

Sports offer tweens the chance to improve their self-esteem by providing opportunities to develop skills, receive positive feedback, feel a sense of belonging, overcome challenges, and create a more positive self-image.

Tweens who are into sports are also less likely to give in to peer pressure when it comes to crime and drugs.

How can parents encourage and support play for children?

Give unstructured free time

Give them time to be bored and just be. We put our kids on such a schedule that it is hard for them to let their minds wander and explore their interests without having an ulterior motive.

Lead by example

Are you a workaholic who doesn’t take out the time to play a game or sport? Well, then you need to learn how to play before you can teach your child. Start having a family game night to bond with the kids, or sign up for tennis lessons and learn together. Take them to the beach and spend the day building sandcastles and playing catch.

Play is not ‘practice’

If your child loves designing games, let him take it up as a hobby without hinting at the possibility that he could be a game programmer someday. The minute you add money and goals to play, it stops being ‘play time’ and becomes a practise or training session for the future, limiting their desire to learn.

Hey, there’s a reason why a football match with dad goofing around can leave you with a smile on your face but being defeated during a football practise match with another team can have you feeling bummed.

Let your child be at the end of the day; it’s all about having fun and having a good time.