We know that kids love playing outside and getting messy, but playtime actually plays an important role in child development.

“We’ve always known that kids and play are just a natural combo,” said Dr. Michele Borba, author of “The Big Book of Parenting Solutions.” “But new research also shows that letting kids engage in self-directed play has immense value for their social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth.”

• Play expands kids’ minds and neurological development. Self-initiated play improves skills, such as problem solving and interpreting, and is important to brain development and learning.

• Play boosts children’s creativity and imagination. It provides an environment where they can invent, build, expand, explore and develop a whole different part of the brain.

• Play stretches our children’s attention spans. Playing outdoors just 30 minutes per day increases a child’s ability to focus and pay attention.

• Play boosts self-confidence and self-regulation. Kids learn to become masters of their own destiny without an adult directing, pushing, managing or scheduling.

• Play helps kids learn to entertain themselves and develop identity. Kids who know how to play rarely say, “I’m bored, Mom!” in an effort to be amused by you alone.

– Courtesy of Family Features