Play is a vital component of human development and well-being, transcending age, culture, and context. It is a natural and spontaneous activity that is essential for our physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. As Dr. Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist and psychobiologist, once said, "Play is nature's way of ensuring that children and other young mammals develop their survival skills while preventing them from becoming overwhelmed by stress."
PLay is Important
Play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. It is a powerful tool for developing cognitive and emotional intelligence, which in turn helps us navigate the complexities of life. Moreover, play is a fundamental aspect of our mental health, as it promotes the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, leading to a more positive and balanced emotional state.
Play is Purposeless
In a world that often emphasizes productivity and purpose, it is important to remember that play, in its purest form, is not about achieving a specific outcome or learning a particular skill. Instead, play should be unregimented and purposeless, allowing us to engage in activities for the sheer joy of it. As the National Institute for Play suggests, "Just Play" without coming up with something to learn from it or a reason for it. This kind of play encourages us to be fully present in the moment, to explore our curiosity and imagination, and to connect with others in a genuine and meaningful way.
Ready to Play?
We embrace this "Just Play" philosophy by rejecting the idea of focusing on STEM or STEAM themed toys. All of our toys arrive assembled and ready to play with. But we don't stop there. Where appropriate, we keep our toys serviceable. This means using screws or other fasteners instead of glue. So your child (or you) are the sort to take toys apart, you can do that as well! And if you can't quite get them back together again, give us a shout and we'll help you out.