Play & Learn
edamama Family Expo Recap: What We Learned About The Power of Comfort in Learning through Playtime
You’ve probably heard these countless times already: playtime helps your child reach specific physical, emotional, and cognitive milestones. It allows them to learn various life skills and builds their confidence. Hence, it’s only a must that we provide our little ones more opportunities to play.
But when they play, it’s important that they are comfortable so that they can reap the many benefits playtime offers. Comfort, after all, is essential in our child’s overall health and wellbeing.
“Kids are very flexible and they’re wired to be active. We have to understand that their spinal cord is flexible and fragile, and that’s the reason why they don’t want to sit in one place for a long period of time. It’s normal for kids to explore. Mas maganda sa bata ang gumagalaw, ang mas malikot,” explained clinical psychologist Dr. Ma. Alodia Cueno-Mercado. “The fact that you can see they are playing in front of you, you can see their limitations. Comfort is when you are able to give them security because they have these limitations and you help them walk throughout those limitations.”
So how do we keep them comfortable—and happy—while they are playing? This topic was explored further during the recently-concluded edamama Family Expo. Here are some valuable insights and learnings we picked up from the discussion with Dr. Cueno-Mercado, host and content creator Cerah Hernandez, and momfluencer Nikki Viola.
Benefits of comfort on a child’s physical development
- Better bone development
- Increases and empowers their cardiovascular system
- Better balance as they grow up
- Sharpens their reflexes
- Makes them feel more comfortable about themselves
- Trains them to protect themselves
- Develops high motor movements, which prepares them for activities they will do in the future, such as grasping a pencil or a paint brush
Benefits of comfort on a child’s cognitive development
- They become more aware or mindful at a young age
- When they become curious about things, it becomes an agent for them to be more confident about exploring more
- Development of intellectuality: kids are able to educate themselves and revise information as needed
- Ability to make decisions for themselves
- In language and literacy, it allows them to communicate whether they speak or not
Benefits of comfort on a child’s emotional and social development
- Makes them at ease with their own body
- Gives them assurance that their parents are just there for them
- Helps them manage their emotions
Some signs your child might not be comfortable in their play space
- Kid showing grimacing face
- Kid arching their back
- Crying
- Sleep distortions: waking up more frequently than before
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Kid just giving you a stare or do not give a reaction
How to keep your child happy and comfortable while playing
- Consider the environment. Is it too hot or too cold? Check their clothing and ensure they are wearing proper attire. Check if the temperature is at a safe and comfortable level.
- Provide them meaningful materials, toys, or objects that let them explore their five senses.
- Don’t push them too hard if they are not able to do things.
- For babies: Just give them the basic needs, it’s all they need. Feed them, let them sleep, bathe them properly, and provide the necessities.
- Make sure their diaper is of high quality and does not interrupt their sleep and play time. Check out Makuku diapers.
- Your mere presence is a huge emotional support for them. You are your child’s safe place where they can let all their emotions out.
- Give them a healthy and colorful psychological home that should be:
- an environment that is light, amusing, and full of fun
- where your child can be comfortable to express himself/herself
- where nothing can hold them back because they know they are accepted
