Play All May!

Today’s parents are under more pressure than ever to ensure that their kids grow up to be successful adults. As a result, kids are often overscheduled and juggling a million activities both in and outside of school, which creates a lot of stress and leaves very little downtime to relax and play.

This is why The Genius of Play, a nonprofit initiative spearheaded by The Toy Association, is kicking off Play All May. The goal is to educate families about the benefits of play, so parents understand how a “prescription for play” helps their child and encourage a healthy dose of play alongside other activities.

The celebration will further The Genius of Play's mission by educating families about the benefits of play, helping parents understand how a "prescription for play" supports children, and encouraging a healthy dose of play alongside other activities.

“We all know are kids today are so over scheduled and there is really little time for that unstructured play,” said Adrienne Appell from The Toy Association. “We really want to remind families of the benefits of all the important things that kids are learning through play. That is way we are encoring everybody to play all day. They learn emotional skills, relieving anxiety and stress When playing with puzzles they learn different cognitive skills whether its reading or writing or sequencing that is happening at a very young age. Other things they learn are social skills like cooperation, games are great for that. They learn how to take turns, regulate themselves and when they lose how do they handle that. Kids can foster their creativity through it.”

According to a recent clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), play is fundamentally important for developing 21st century skills, including social, emotional, language, and cognitive skills. The AAP recommends play for children to buffer toxic stress, build parental relationships, and improve executive functioning.

Throughout May, The Genius of Play will share on its website and social media channels fun and engaging play activities for every day of the month, notable research facts, and other impactful play-related information. Daily giveaways of toy and game prizes will also be awarded to lucky winners on @GeniusofPlay Facebook and Instagram pages. Learning Express will be joining in on the "Play All May" fun with more than 75 of its U.S. stores holding events to bring the celebration to their local communities.

"Play All May" is further supported by the launch of a PSA campaign on national TV to generate widespread awareness of the vital importance of play to children. The three spots feature a unifying theme of playless days for an overscheduled young boy who is being driven from one activity to the next while wishing for a break from the routine to play and have fun. He ultimately gets the opportunity to play when his pediatrician writes him a "prescription for play".

To follow along during "Play All May" and enter the daily giveaways, follow The Genius of Play on Instagram at @GeniusofPlay and Facebook at @GeniusofPlay.

For more information about The Genius of Play and healthy play habits for kids, visit TheGeniusofPlay.org.

About The Genius of Play

The Genius of Play is a national movement to raise awareness of play's vital role in child development, spearheaded by The Toy Association. Deeply rooted in research and facts, The Genius of Play is a leading resource on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional benefits of play that serve children throughout their lives. The Genius of Play enables today's busy parents and caretakers to use the power of play to help raise a happier, healthier, and more productive next generation. Visit www.TheGeniusOfPlay.org for easily accessible play ideas and tips, expert advice and other play resources. It's More Than Play!

Courtesy: The Genius of Play