5. self-directed social play
Self-Directed Social Play
Evolved Nest Component #5 of 9
SELF-DIRECTED SOCIAL PLAY is free social play with multiple-aged playmates.
What to do:
- Try not to interfere in your child’s natural play instinct. For example, create a space where you can let baby and toddler explore on their own without interference.
- Build into your child’s day several self-directed social playtimes.
- Let your child be outside on his or her own.
- Encourage social play with differently- aged playmates. Although adult-directed sports or other play activities might be good too, self-directed free play is different and important.
Why?
Humans are mammals. Young mammals play when they feel safe and well. People who have little self-directed social play experience tend to be more aggressive and have other behavior disorders (e.g., van den Berg et al., 1999), as well as diminished academic achievement (Barros, Silver & Stein, 2009).
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articles
BLOG SERIES ON PLAY
Discover the Evolved Nest articles on Kindred Media here.
Discover Darcia Narvaez's posts on Psychology Today here.
Social Play: A Longstanding Way To Cope
How To Play As An AdultHow To Play As An Adult
Attachment Social Play For Self-Transformation
Parent Touch, Play And Support In Childhood Vital To Well-Being As An Adult
Happiness and Growth Through Play
Children May Be Playing, But Their Brains Are Working
Is Pretend Play Good For Kids?
Playing at School: More Important Than We Thought?
Does Too Much Screen Time Make Kids Sick?
What’s Better: Indoor or Outdoor Play?
Social Play: A Longstanding Way to Cope
The Benefits of Play Events in Your Community
Start a Play Club in Your School
Community Service: Teens Make Great Play Advocates
Inter-generational Games Night
Make Play Part of a Planned Community Event
“The Emperor’s New Groove,” A Movie that Teaches Ethics
Why Close a Street to Play as a Community?
How to Plan a Play Day in Your Community
resources
Resources for Free Play
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