Games are the best education for children!

　　Encroaching on children’s playtime in the misguided pursuit of “not letting them fall behind at the starting line” is, in fact, a case of forcing growth and going in the opposite direction. The renowned educator and child psychologist Mr. Chen Heqin once remarked: “Children are born with an innate urge to move; for them, play is life itself.” Psychological research has shown that play fosters children’s development across multiple domains: it allows them to freely explore and solve problems, making it one of the most effective ways to advance cognitive development; it nurtures social skills, particularly through imaginative play, where children assume different roles, learn to see things from others’ perspectives, and enhance their interpersonal abilities; during play, children can freely vary their movements and postures, and by repeatedly engaging in activities they enjoy, they develop the capacity to influence and control their environment, gain a sense of accomplishment, and cultivate courage, optimism, and self-confidence; moreover, play can help address emotional challenges, and in child psychotherapy, there even exists a specialized approach known as “play therapy.”

　　Therefore, to ensure children’s holistic and healthy physical and psychological development, it is essential to safeguard their right to play, allowing play to truly become the foundational activity for preschoolers. For parents, while prioritizing safety, they should refrain from unduly interfering with their children’s play and instead grant them ample freedom to explore and engage. Of course, play is not aimless, formless, or devoid of structure; rather, it involves meaningful activities that spark children’s intrinsic curiosity, foster positive personal qualities, and support their balanced physical and mental growth.