Play is extremely important and beneficial for children, especially for young children. Children learn through play because it is a natural activity that brings joy and allows for learning experiences each time they engage in it. Play helps in developing skills and supports growth in all four areas of development. Through play, children also learn to socialize, cooperate with others, follow rules, adjust behaviors, and exercise self-control while interacting with peers. Many parents and caregivers tend to emphasize academic learning, such as memorizing letters, vocabulary, counting, and writing, over play. As a result, children's playtime often decreases, despite the fact that play is crucial for their development. Learning through play is fundamental for children's growth, so parents and caregivers must ensure that children have ample time and opportunities for play.

Pretend play allows children to take on various roles, such as doctors, princesses, soldiers, superheroes, parents, or shopkeepers, which fosters imagination. Through such activities, children develop communication skills, create conversations, solve problems, and enhance creativity.

Structured play involves games with specific rules and goals, which may include simple agreements or group activities, such as passing a ball or board games. This type of play increases social interaction among children and helps them learn to respect rules, share, handle wins and losses, and practice forgiveness.

After play, maintaining toys properly is another learning opportunity for children. It teaches them discipline and organization. After playtime, toys should be put away neatly, as leaving them scattered around not only looks messy but could also lead to accidents, such as tripping or slipping, which can cause harm. Cleaning toys is also important to prevent the spread of germs, especially for toys shared by other children.

All of the above activities, whether pretend play or structured play, encourage learning and skill development in children. Parents can supervise from a distance, ensuring a safe environment, and offer help if needed. However, it is important not to take over or solve every problem for the child, allowing them the freedom to think, solve problems, and manage situations independently. This helps children learn about their emotions, behavior, and how to interact with others while building self-confidence.

If parents and caregivers have time, therapists suggest they make sure to give children time to play, as play is the foundation of all developmental growth in children.