The Role of Play in Children’s Development

Abstract

Play is essential to childhood development, fostering physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. However, the role of parents in facilitating and perceiving the developmental benefits of play remains underexplored. This study explored parents' perceptions of the role of play in their children's development, focusing on physical, emotional, cognitive, and social domains. Conducted from December 2021 to March 2022, the research utilized a descriptive-quantitative design and involved 50 parents of children aged 4–7 from Cabugao and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed through frequency and percentage. Results revealed that children engaged in various play activities, such as chasing bubbles, imaginative role-play, and building blocks, which parents observed to enhance motor skills, emotional resilience, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions. Parents emphasized providing opportunities for unstructured, child-led play to support holistic development. The study recommends that educational institutions and healthcare professionals conduct workshops for parents and caregivers on the developmental benefits of play. Additionally, future research should explore children's direct experiences to validate and complement parental observations.