Quite often, when our children return from afternoon play, they look exhausted, and ready for a nap. That is the most accurate description, and quite the truth.  Play is hard work. It is exhausting to the mind and body of the young person, and plays an extremely important role in helping them to become productive, healthy citizens.

The role of exercise and play in a young child’s life provides them with many benefits. Exercise is important to keep the young body fit as they grow into adults. If we have an active childhood with plenty of exercise and play, the habit usually continues through to our adult years.

What else is to be gained from the opportunities that play affords? We often participate in organized sports, coordinated play times, and are a member of a large group during all of these activities. Play on this level teaches us how to interact with our peers, develop bonds and learn to become a team player. In today's business environment skills like these are essential. But what else is happening here, during this time of play and exercise?

What we learn in body language, coping skills, and the interaction of the mind and body during our interaction with others, is invaluable. Developing these skills, helps us learn how to interact with others, and how to interact with our self.Interact with our self? That seems like a pointless exercise, but it is an all-important part of maintaining our health and wellness.

There are times that our bodies try to tell us things about our physical or mental condition, and we simply refuse to listen.If we have learned how to listen to others around us when they attempt to point out a need or desire, we have a useful tool in listening to ourselves. This often can mean the difference between optimal health, and creating an unhealthy situation.

What else do we learn? We learn what our physical and mental limitations are.  During play, you see children and young adolescents push themselves to the very limit.  But as children, we are better able to distinguish between a real limit versus what society deems our limits. As is only right, children and adolescents are carefree and do not feel the same pressures of life as adults do. We listen to our bodies more at ten, than we do at twenty. As a child we tend to listen to our bodies more, and are more in tune with it's needs. As an adult, we have let outside influences master our body and mind, and dominate our time.

The benefits of exercise and play as children are carried on and a great benefit to us for the rest of our lives. Too often, we adults forget the importance of exercise and play and the principles that are to be learned from time spent in these activities. A Child's main priority is play and interaction with other young people, whereas we tend to rush our children into their daily responsibilities.

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