ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY
When kids have to invent their own games, it stimulates their imagination and boosts creativity. This is another reason why I have always preferred toys that are not battery operated. I love the creativity it fosters when kids play dress up with random pieces of fabric or build things with wooden blocks or legos. Without that instant dopamine hit of pushing a button and seeing something light up, they have to put a little thought into what they're doing which also build critical thinking and decision making skills.
DEVELOPS SOCIAL SKILLS
Unstructured play often involves talking and cooperating with other kids during play which is a great opportunity for kids to learn to share. Making up their own games and rules also requires kids to negotiate and resolve conflict with each other, teaching real-life skills. Obviously, this is easier when you have multiple kids in the house like I do; but setting up unstructured play dates with friends is also an easy way to foster more free play. e.g. meeting a girlfriend for coffee and then letting the kids run around the park making up their own games.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Free play allows kids to express their emotions in a safe and fun way. They will also learn how to entertain themselves and develop their own interests, which is incredibly helpful to us as parents. Being able to create a game on their own boosts self-esteem and confidence, as well as improving attention span. When my kids are having unstructured play time, I always try to give a decent warning when I know we will have to wrap up play time and transition to something we need to do like eat dinner. This way they have ample time to wrap up the game or let me know if they want to show me what they created before picking it up.
As a mom, my goal is to have kids who are independent thinkers and never get bored. It's a high aim, I know, but I think unstructured play is really essential in the younger years for fostering those things. If you're not sure where to start, try limiting screen time and toys with batteries or games with rules. Give your kids buckets of craft supplies, building type toys, access to nature, let them turn the living room into a giant fort and play all morning. There are parts of life that have to be more structured, play time doesn't need to be.
