It goes without saying that children are full of energy and that their energy should be put to good use for their physical and mental growth. If you are a parent, you know that toddlers need to be active – or they’ll get hyperactive at bedtime, and no one wants that! One of the best ways to use up a child’s energy is by providing them with lots of opportunities for soft play.

So what exactly is soft play? If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it is a type of indoor play that has abundant benefits for a child’s mental and physical development. Examples of soft play might include puzzles, painting, building blocks, drawing, dressing up, and low-impact sports in a safe and secured area. Toddlers improve their balance, spatial awareness, and communication skills during soft play. Every kid has a different sensory threshold, hence why it is important to select an activity and soft play toy that does not provide too much sensory stimulation for your toddler.

The truth is that children love to play. Not only is playing fun, but it allows kids to explore the world around them and form their own ideas about the world, likes & dislikes, and personal identity & self-esteem. Every child is unique, so choosing the right kind of soft play toys for your toddler can be a difficult choice. However, with the right soft play toys from Aosom.com, you can guarantee mentally- and physically-stimulating activity that is well suited to your children and their friends. Here are a few thoughts and guidelines:

Get Healthy While Playing: How Toddlers Build All Kinds of Skills with Soft Play

During soft play, children socialize with their peers through different games and ideations. In this way, they develop crucial social skills that will help them to interact better with others as they grow. Not only that, but research has shown that soft play encourages healthy development of many other physical, emotional, and mental skills. Let’s look at some of these benefits and excellent reasons to encourage soft play with your children:

Benefits of Soft Play: Physical

Building blocks, puzzles, playmats, rope ladders, steppingstones – these are some of the games that are typically played during soft playtime. As kids move around through jumping, hopping, and leaping, their natural physical environment is enhanced. It becomes a form of exercise that is fun and stimulating. Swings, slides, and other physical sports are also considered soft play, especially if they are done in a secured environment. Purchasing toys like this all-in-one playground will keep your toddler fit and active.

Consistent soft play exercise helps kids to love their bodies and improve confidence in their self-image. While actively participating in soft play, children keep their bodies fit and healthy whilst simultaneously learning about social norms. Engaging in soft play gives them a great sense of achievement, and promotes positive behavior.

Benefits of Soft Play: Mental, Emotional and Behavioral

Educators around the world are familiar with the term “learning through play.” It’s now accepted that playing is not just an entertaining time for kids, but an important part of their overall development.

One aspect of this development relates to your child’s emotions. It is incredibly important for toddlers to learn how to deal with different emotions. This helps them to foster a healthy relationship with their minds, allowing them to react to different situations in the appropriate way. During soft play, kids learn that fear is not a negative feeling, but something they can reframe and use to their advantage.

Also, studies have shown that toddlers who involve themselves in this type of activity are not only healthier physically, but also mentally. Soft play allows them to solve problems, alone or with other kids, and it teaches them how to overcome different obstacles. With a strong mental condition, they will face each day with courage and alertness.

Even from a very young age, children who engage in soft play will have the self-esteem and self-worth to explore their feelings while they continue to grow. The world can be a scary place for children, but when they understand the rules of the world they are living in, and when they know how to deal with their fears, everything becomes much easier for them.

Benefits of Soft Play: Creativity

Ever noticed how most geniuses are discovered at a young age? Because of how quickly a toddler’s mind picks up new skills, it is fundamental for a child to have a space where they can be creative. Soft play is an excellent way for toddlers and children to express themselves and develop their imagination. When toddlers make something from their own creative vision, they boost their self-esteem and discover their sense of identity. Toys like building blocks, puzzles, and play mats aid in their creative development.

Some examples of creative soft play include drawing, painting, making puppets, molding different objects out of clay, and dressing up. These activities train their creativity, concentration, motor skills, and coordination, all immensely helpful traits for young geniuses. Because they are in an environment where they can create things freely and without judgment, soft play allows them to maximize their full potential.

Soft Play for Parents and Guardians: Peace of Mind

Soft play areas provide a safe and clean environment for creativity and growth. With that in mind, parents and guardians can rest easy knowing that their toddler is playing in a safe area (although adult supervision is always recommended). Soft play realms offer a safe space where toddlers can play and learn in a safe environment, allowing guardians to enjoy lightly supervised play time. Happy family, happy life! If you want to encourage growth and safe play in a family friendly environment, head over to Aosom.com and pick up some great soft play toys at affordable prices today!