National Play Day 2012 offers a reminder of the advantages of real play.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O ’Connor, has called on parents to explore the joys and benefits of unstructured play with their children today (Sunday), National Play Day 2012.
“Making mud pies, climbing trees and exploring the natural environment are excellent ways of getting children moving, getting their brains working and getting their creativity going.
“These days, children are living increasingly sedentary lives, sitting in front of video and games consoles for hours on end, getting fatter as they spend their playtime indoors. The benefit of playing outdoors presents unrivalled opportunities for fun and physical activity.
“At times we are all inclined to be a little too protective of our children. Children seem to spend so much time indoors compared to just a decade or two ago, when they would have been outside playing tag or hide-and-seek. If pressurised parents don’t have the time to accompany their children outdoors, too often they don’t get to go outside at all.
“Children’s mental health is also greatly improved by this sort of playtime as they fill their lungs full of fresh air and their minds full of what will be unforgettable childhood memories. Proper playtime also helps to combat childhood obesity, helps to build friendships and to develop the person as a whole. It is during activities such as this that leadership qualities are also developed as children engage in team activities.
“The theme of this year’s National Play Day is ‘Experiment with Play’ and I am calling on all parents to take time out today to play the games with their children that they once played and to get involved in the activities that are being hosted by Local Authorities around the country to mark this important and fun-filled day.”