National Play Day
July 19 is National Play Day— a time for everyone to embrace their inner child and reflect on the importance of play for children and families.
Every child deserves to focus on two primary things: learning and having fun. But for many families facing hardship, the struggles of hunger and food insecurity, financial stress, and job instability can impact a child’s ability to play. When a child’s stomach is grumbling and they’re worried about their next meal, playing with no regard for the world’s troubles or paying attention in class becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible.
At One More Child, we believe play isn’t just beneficial—it is essential for a healthy and fulfilling childhood. We help struggling families with tangible, emotional, and spiritual support so that children can focus on what they do best: being children.
The Importance of Play
Play is more than just fun—it benefits a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development and well-being. A clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics examined the power of play and its role in enhancing development in young children.
According to this report:
- Play builds the brain. Play actively shapes the brain, leading to molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes. It can develop parts of the brain that promote advancement of skills, social understanding, and production of positive hormones.
- Play can regulate stress. High amounts of play are associated with low levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Engaging in play has also shown to have a positive impact when children encounter stressful situations, such as life transitions. The more kids play, the less likely they are to experience stress and anxiety.
- Play improves skills. Play allows children to encounter new situations and learn how to respond. These moments can develop and enhance skills such as problem-solving, math and language abilities, multi-tasking, self-regulation, and social awareness.
- Play promotes healthy relationships. Play provides important opportunities for children to connect with their peers and parents. By playing with other children, a child can learn to negotiate, problem solve, and interact with others. It is also critically important for parents and caregivers to play with their children, as it promotes communication and care in the relationship.
Boy of the House
The benefits of play for children are extensive, compelling, and profound. Even without scientific support, the importance of play is evident in the joy it brings to children. But for struggling families, the joy of play can be overshadowed by the stress and responsibilities that come from hardships. This can manifest through children needing to take on mental or physical burdens of the household, or by parents’ lack of time or energy to play with their children.
When examining barriers to play, the American Academy of Pediatrics Report explains, “Low-income families may have less time to play with their children while working long hours to provide for their families, but a warm caregiver or extended family as well as a dynamic community program can help support parents’ efforts.”
One More Child seeks to be this support for families in need, coming alongside them so they can lead their families with strength and dignity.
Our short film, “Boy of the House,” showcases the challenges many struggling families endure—a reality One More Child steps into to offer help and hope. We support single moms and struggling families, so they don’t have to watch their children grow up too soon.
A young boy undertakes the journey of growing up too quickly. Forced by unfortunate circumstances to take responsibility for the house, he must fend for himself as his mother provides for their family.
You can impact the lives of vulnerable children, single moms, and struggling families TODAY—get involved in our ministry or provide a generous gift.
On this day of recognition, help one more child experience the joy of play.