Dear Parents, It's Important To Have Playtime With Children

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Child and family psychologist from the University of Indonesia, Vera Itabiliana, S.Psi. revealed the importance of parents being able to have time to play with their children, one of which is to develop the mentality of children.

"Through playing with parents, children who find it difficult to communicate their thoughts, confused about what is going on and how they should behave, will feel understood and helped," Vera said as quoted by Antara, Sunday.

Mental health is the basis of a person's character to live life, face challenges, and shape personality.

Children with mental problems often show some negative behavior, such as aggressive, withdrawn, hyperactive, feeling insecure, tense, isolated, difficult to focus, and many other characteristics.

For this reason, parents are expected to be more sensitive to these characteristics. In addition to asking for help from professionals, parents can also take on a role, one of which is by playing with their children.

In addition, by playing, parents can evaluate how to behave and raise children.

Not only can stimulate motor and brain development, but playing can also foster a sense of trust and a pleasant bond between parents and children.

Vera advised parents not to divide their attention when playing with their children. Instead, be present as a whole for the child.

"Making eye contact with them is also necessary. We're not talking about quantity, yes, but more about quality. About 15-30 minutes is enough, but it would be better if it was carried out regularly and routinely," said Vera.

According to her, be mindful of whatever you do in front of children. By dividing focus, children may feel neglected, which makes them tend to be more emotional or even hyperactive to seek attention.

Regarding the type of game that is right for children, there are various kinds, such as storytelling and storytelling, the fields of music, drama, puppetry, dance, and movement, or many other choices.

“Fairy tales, for example, can help develop the moral and spiritual aspects of children. Then, art, something that can train creativity in children, such as drama, for example," said Vera.

While music can make children more daring in expressing themselves in a positive way.

Research says, playing with the models mentioned above can also stimulate children's brains to work more actively.

“Through games like that, children can get information through metaphors, something that can be applied in real, everyday life. Generally, metaphors can be conveyed in stories, fairy tales, dramas, music, and so on," said Vera.