DHAKA, March 30, 2022 (BSS) - Aritri, aged about six years, kept aside the
chips of some color when he was given a home puzzle as he tried to match it
which is very important for a child.
Little Aritri was doing it rightly without anyone's instruction although many
times an adult cannot match a puzzle or understand exactly how to match it.
Another child, Ayesha was throwing a toy up and holding it with her hands
while it came down. This is not a very normal incident as her eyes, hands and
attention was working simultaneously. This kind of coordination is making her
proficient in this kind of work.
None told them to do these rather they are doing it themselves. This is how
children play independently, which has a scientific ground.
Independent sports means when none interferes in children's game rather, they
have the complete freedom while playing.
Syeda Sajia Zaman and Ferdousi Khanam, education and child development
specialists at the BRAC Institute of Educational Development, said that
introducing children to this type of sports will help them develop their
mental growth alongside building their own personality from childhood.
Experts said joint families are getting smaller day by day and people are
living in a nuclear family which is an issue of concern for children's
company, playing and safety.
However, intelligent and modern persons have a nature to find a solution in
any situation. So, there is nothing wrong if a child grows up all alone,
rather good results can be found by focusing on how a child can grow up in an
orderly manner in this situation, they opined.
They also said that allowing the children to play independently might help
them to flourish their talents, imagination, creativity and many other
aspects.
And by noticing all these issues, children can be given a chance to grow
positively, they added.
There are no particular obligations and timeframe to start the process, but
it can be started from a very young age and even from the age of six months.
Mentioning that there is no specific rule of play rather the best way to
watch letting child to play, Sajia Zaman in this case said, "They can choose
anything to play on their own. They have the freedom to choose the toys, the
subject of interest and even the event, as their mentality depends on the
day, time and situation of playing independently. Children can express
themselves through the choices they make."
Ferdousi Khanam said, "This kind of opportunity is very important for
children," adding "Sometimes it's good for children to play independently as
they can be much more creative if they play alone."
She continued, "When they play independently, they try to solve problems or
find solutions themselves. It helps them to express their thinking ability
alongside building confidence. Playing independently develops skills in
children as well."
The child should be given a safe and clean place for sports and the parents
should remain alert during their play time, because if the child does
something harmful by mistake or for any reason, they can be in danger.
Sometimes, parents can give some toys to their children to allow them play
independently, and can continue conversation by asking them what they want to
do or how this problem can be solved.
"Occasionally, you (parent) can get involved with the child when they are
playing this kind of game. Do something that creates a bond with them. Then
if they do something wrong, you can help them to understand their mistake,"
said Sajia.
She added, "The guardian should not do everything for their children rather
allow them to think and do something for him/her. We can only teach them some
tricks from time to time."
Psychiatrist Dr Mohit Kamal said, "If a child plays such game from childhood,
his/her mind will be enriched. As he/she learns to build them up competently
and efficiently, his/her problem-solving attitude will also make him
confident."
However, if the parents monitor the matter, it will help the child to develop
properly, he added.
