Have you ever had one of those moments where your child is completely lost in play? Maybe they’re building a tower out of blocks, pretending to run a cafe, or climbing up something they probably shouldn’t — but you can see it: they’re focused, confident, and learning all on their own.
It turns out, those moments of play are a really big deal.
So big, in fact, that in 2024, the United Nations officially declared June 11 as the International Day of Play — a global reminder that play isn’t just fun. It’s essential.
Why Play in the Early Years Matters More Than You Think
Between the ages of 0 to 6, your child’s brain is developing faster than it ever will again — forming up to 1 million neural connections every second (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2021). These early years lay the foundation for everything: from academic skills to emotional intelligence, to resilience and social connection.
And the most powerful way children build these skills?
Through play.
What Science Says About Play
Here’s what decades of child development research confirm:
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Play strengthens the brain.
Unstructured, self-directed play literally changes the brain's architecture. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play boosts executive function — skills like focus, flexibility, and self-control, which are strong predictors of long-term success in school and life. -
Play boosts language and literacy.
When children pretend, tell stories, and role-play, they expand their vocabulary, build narrative skills, and strengthen the foundation for reading and writing. A 2013 study by Dickinson et al. found that children who engaged in complex socio-dramatic play showed greater gains in language development than those who didn’t. -
Play develops early math and problem-solving.
Activities like sorting, stacking, pouring, and pattern-making introduce core concepts in math and science — naturally, and without pressure. According to NAEYC, play-based learning supports stronger conceptual math understanding than direct instruction for preschoolers. -
Play supports emotional regulation and social skills.
When children play with others, they practice turn-taking, collaboration, conflict resolution, and empathy. These are the heart of what psychologists call emotional intelligence, and they’re shaped powerfully in early childhood through play — not lectures.
What Educators See Every Day
“What looks like ‘just playing’ is actually the most important work they’ll ever do.”
– Wendy Oon, Principal of MapleBear Bukit Bintang, Mom to a 4-year-old, Play Advocate
Wendy leads a play-based preschool grounded in the Canadian approach of early learning. Her experience confirms what research already tells us — that real learning doesn’t start with worksheets. It starts with play.
“When children are given time to play freely, without rush or distraction, something extraordinary unfolds. They begin to explore with purpose, make sense of their world, and express who they are — not because we instruct them, but because they are naturally wired to learn through play.”
She shares that in those playful moments:
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Fine motor skills grow through actions like pouring, building, and threading.
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Language develops as children narrate their stories.
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Math emerges from sorting, counting, and comparing.
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And perhaps most importantly, social-emotional learning blooms as children negotiate, take turns, and manage big feelings.
Wendy adds:
“This is not chaotic or random. It’s deep, meaningful, and self-driven learning. It’s what Montessori called the child’s natural inner work, and what Reggio Emilia celebrates as the hundred languages of children.”
Play Is Not a Break from Learning — It Is Learning
Many modern parents — especially those exploring Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or gentle parenting — already sense that childhood should be slower, more joyful, more child-led. The science now echoes that instinct.
By making time for open-ended, child-led play, you’re not “doing less” — you’re doing exactly what your child needs most in this season of their life.
Why do we need a global day for it?
Because somewhere along the way, play started taking a backseat. Between busy schedules, screens, enrichment classes, and the pressure to “keep up,” we’ve all been there — scheduling and more scheduling to fill up the time.
The UN’s International Day of Play is a friendly nudge. A reminder. A celebration.
It says: “Let’s make room for play again.”
Not just at schools or on playgrounds — but in our homes, our routines, and our everyday lives too.
Here’s the Good News: You Don’t Need to Overhaul Your Life to Prioritise Play
We get it — parenting is already full. Between work, meals, naps, laundry, and everything else, the thought of “adding one more thing” can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: prioritising play doesn’t mean doing more — it means doing less, more intentionally.
It’s not about perfect Pinterest setups or expensive toys. It’s about making space for what already comes naturally to your child — curiosity, movement, imagination, and connection.
And it can start with just 15 minutes a day.
Easy, Everyday Ways to Prioritise Play
Here are simple things you can start today to nurture meaningful, child-led play:
Say yes to mess (sometimes)
Let them pour rice into containers, build forts with sofa cushions, or splash in the tub a little longer. Messy play builds fine motor skills, scientific thinking, and confidence.
Create a “yes space.”
Choose one corner of your home where your child can move freely and explore without constant correction. Fewer rules = more natural play.
Leave time unscheduled.
Resist the urge to fill every moment. Boredom often leads to the most creative, imaginative play. Trust it.
Follow their lead.
Instead of directing their play (“Why don’t you build a tower?”), try observing quietly or asking open-ended questions like, “What’s happening here?” or “Tell me about your creation.”
Declutter toys.
Too many choices can overwhelm young children. Try rotating toys or offering just a few open-ended ones (like blocks, scarves, or boxes). Less stuff = deeper play.
Take it outside.
Nature is the ultimate play space. Dirt, leaves, sticks, and puddles invite full-body exploration and open-ended stories — no instructions needed.
Slow down.
If they’re in the middle of play and it's time for dinner, can you give 5 more minutes? That small choice honours their work and signals that what they’re doing matters.
Be present, not perfect.
You don’t have to entertain or teach. Just sitting nearby, watching with interest, or discussing their play with them (if they want to) shows you value it.
These moments may feel small, but over time, they build something powerful — confidence, curiosity, and connection. When you protect time for unstructured play, you’re not “just letting them be kids.” You’re giving them the space to become themselves.
At Aden + Ren, we’re all about prioritising play — play that are simple, open-ended, and deeply meaningful. It’s why we design handcrafted solid wooden toys and furniture that invite children to move, build, imagine, and grow — without noise, batteries, or screens.
Celebrate with us
To mark this exciting moment, we’re joining the global celebration with a special Playroom Sale for the whole month of June 2025.
All our playroom items — from Tabur Arch + Slide to Ombak Balance Boards and even Embun Play Shelf — are on sale (no code needed). It’s the perfect time to create or refresh a space where your child can lead the way in play.
Because childhood doesn’t wait. And now, the world agrees — play deserves a place of honour.
➡️ Explore the Playroom Collection
Let’s choose play — every day.