As a mum of four, the playcentre has been a little bit like a co-parent to me over the last few years but I do dread going each time

Some parents love it, some loathe it, but one thing is for sure children adore it. The playcentre.
 

 

As a mum of four the playcentre has been a little bit like a co-parent to me over the last few years but I do dread going each time.

 

Surprisingly enough though there are many benefits for children to play at the playcentre. Indoor playcentres have proven to be an excellent choice as venues to take your kids to, where they can have fun, be active and most importantly play in a safe, clean and colourful environment.

 

Most playcentres will have slides, ball pools, tunnels, bridges, trampolines, adventure zones and other soft play equipment that can keep kids active and engaged for hours.
 
 
Here are just some of the many benefits of indoor play areas for children:

 

Development of Social Skills
Through playing children learn about concepts such as winning, losing and playing fair and also develop problem-solving skills. Indoor play areas give children that opportunity to socialize with others and to develop such skills.

 

Keeps them Active
Children engaged in regular physical activity are healthier, both physically and emotionally. Physically active kids are more likely to be more academically motivated and attentive. Indoor playcentres serve as great option to keep children busy and active.

 

Creativity
One of the many benefits of soft play is how it can nurture and encourage creativity. Adding a fort, playhouse or tunnel can really add to the experience and makes a great prompt for storytelling and theming. Children can interact in a positive way, really engaging their brain.

 

Improves fine motor skills
Soft play encourages motor development. Kids can work on stepping, climbing, crawling, jumping and rolling without fear of injury. Having an open space with good sensory lighting can provide just the sensory-motor diet needed to move and learn. With movement can come speech and language skills as well as education.
 

 

Safety and Security
Most playcentres use equipment that is soft and well padded, which creates the ideal safe play area for kids. The equipment is specially designed to prevent little ones from injuring themselves. Some playcentres also have play supervisors who monitor the kids while playing, to ensure smooth and injury free play.

 

Save it for a rainy day
Unpredictable Irish weather can force kids to stay at home. During such times playcentres serve as the ideal place for kids to be entertained, remain active and have a good time.
Taking your kids to a playcentre is a fantastic way to give them 60 active minutes.

 

Don’t forget the playcentre has its benefits for parents too...

 

Be involved with your child’s learning-play with them and alongside them. Encourage children to interact with others while you meet other parents and let it become part of a fun positive experience for you and your little ones.

 

Playcentre provides:
  • Support as a parent
  • Involvement in your child’s early childhood education
  • Confidence in yourself and your parenting
  • Friendship with other parents and caregivers
  • A free education programme to develop parenting skills and understand how children learn and develop
  • A sense of community and belonging
Laura Doyle, Mum of 4. Kyle 9, Noa Belle 4, Briar 2 and Milla 12 months. Breastfeeder, co-sleeper, coffee drinker. Staying positive and inspired by the chaos of it all. Follow her on Instagram.
 

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