I wanted to share my experience with you all, which revolves around how I used to view the concept of play. Like my own mother taught me and my father raised me, I thought of play as a waste of time — a kind of luxury or indulgence. Maybe play could be accepted as a reward after a child finished their homework or did a good deed.
Today, I say to all mothers: How beautiful is the play and joy of our children, how wonderful their racing with the wind and their leaps like free birds — whether they are alone or with a group of peers. Even amidst the hustle of homework and the pressure of school schedules, let us postpone worrying about the future to another time!
It is also wonderful that child psychologist and educator Dr. Fatima Al-Khatib joins us to share her insights on the importance of play for children and its impact on their personalities.
Beginning of the Experience
Two girls play energetically and lively.
Marwa’s mom says: My beloved little one considers playing and bouncing from one room to another her main purpose and mission. On her days off from kindergarten, she would start her activity early in the morning and continue until nightfall; she would turn every place upside down. I would close all the rooms as soon as I heard her voice and saw her preparing to play and move her toys from one place to another.
For your information: Marwa has finished two years of kindergarten and is now waiting to start elementary school. This was the source of my fear and near dream: to find a solution for her deep love — almost obsession — with playing for many hours a day. Perhaps sharing my story and what it led to will motivate you to find new solutions so our children’s academic futures aren’t affected.
I still remember my mother and father when they used to forbid me from playing, considering it frivolous and a waste of time that would bring nothing but tiredness and exhaustion. It seemed to them that time was only for work, reading, and studying. If I earned high grades, my reward was more studying, learning a new language, or skill development with a specialist.
It seems I followed their path. When I gave birth to my daughter Marwa, I wanted to pass on to her what I had learned, in the same way I had experienced it, unaware that play has a huge impact on a child’s personality. It is a tool to understand life, build the self, and develop skills that cannot be acquired through books or screens. Play is the child’s first school in life!
How the Child Acquires Positive Behaviors and the Role of Games in Supporting Them — Follow the Details in the Report
Let me honestly tell you: what I discovered did not come out of nowhere. I spent years in my experience, with much effort, back and forth between rejection and acceptance. Meanwhile, my daughter did not change one bit — she continued to spend her hours playing and enjoying her toys and dolls.
My discovery of a solution was truly a breakthrough and changed a lot, I must admit.
After silent battles between me and my little Marwa, after much reading and research online and in libraries, and asking other mother friends, I realized that what I had overlooked and turned a blind eye to — play — actually added many emotional and social qualities and helped develop my daughter’s personality and skills.
Marwa in Her New Role: Want to Know More?
Here’s what happened: I started by putting aside my objections and stopping my silent refusals of everything Marwa did. I focused on what she was playing, what she was doing, and what emotions — happy, worried, or sad — showed on her face. I began to interpret the words that sounded like a magical language, spoken to her doll, or to her white horse that sometimes flew. It was as if I was seeing my daughter in a new light!
From my observations, I felt her heart as a beloved leader when she gathered with her friends. I saw her take kind, empathetic steps when they were deciding roles. She shared her toys with everyone without any possessiveness. In short, I felt Marwa suddenly grew up just because I abandoned my parents’ old-fashioned approach and let her play freely among her friends for a few hours each day.
Tomorrow, when school begins, I plan to create a gentle, flexible balance between study and play.
End of the Experience
Now Marwa has started her first school year. The conflict between us has disappeared. I make sure to dedicate as much attention to her study time as to buying new toys that combine entertainment and education. When she sits alone, I join her in play and imaginary talk. Together, we agree on times to visit friends.
I finish telling my story happy to share it with you, because I benefited from hearing other mothers’ experiences, reading books, and exploring websites. I invite you to try my approach — the result will be for the benefit of our children. Will you respond?
Why Does a Child Play?
Girls playing happily
Here, Dr. Fatima Al-Khatib steps in to explain more about the importance of play in shaping a child’s personality and highlights many useful points:
A child plays as if testing the world around them, forming ideas about themselves, trying out roles, interacting comfortably with others, learning how to win and lose with sportsmanship, how to express feelings, and how to think.
Both free and guided play enhance many positive traits in the child. Despite this, some parents forbid their children from playing, claiming it distracts from focus or harms academic achievement.
However, psychological and educational studies confirm that through play:
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Building and construction toys help develop logical and mathematical intelligence.
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Role-playing games enhance imagination and creativity.
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Puzzle games increase problem-solving ability.
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Focus and challenge games improve memory and attention.
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Play activates and increases brain flexibility.
Play Encourages Emotional Expression
A child sings while her friend plays an instrument.
The child simulates and experiences real life when playing doctor and patient, teacher and student, or mother and father. The child doesn’t just play.
The child learns to express feelings, take on roles, empathize with others, feel their emotions, and deal with anger, jealousy, sadness, or joy.
Every Type of Play Adds to the Child’s Personality
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Free play: running, jumping, climbing trees, playing in the sand — develops courage, exploration, creativity, and self-confidence.
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Imaginative (dramatic) play: acting as mother, doctor, vendor, or officer — strengthens social intelligence, psychological flexibility, and negotiation skills.
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Group play: playing ball, races, team games — teaches cooperation, leadership, accepting loss, and discipline.
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Individual play: drawing, building, playing with clay — develops concentration, independence, and self-expression.
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Educational play: educational electronic or traditional games — links learning to fun, making information memorable.
Through Play, the Child Begins to Understand Who They Are
Children running and playing outdoors.
Does the child prefer leading or following? Are they social or shy? Do they like adventure or security? Do they find comfort in physical or verbal expression? Play reveals these tendencies early and gives parents a chance to guide with love and awareness, without forcing.
Parents’ Role in Supporting Educational Play
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Participate in the child’s imagination and play: Create a daily “playtime hour” that cannot be taken away, just as you schedule homework time. Play can be indoors or even in the child’s room if open spaces are unavailable.
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Join without dominating: Play with your child but let them lead the story, invent rules, try mistakes, and celebrate successes.
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Choose personality-developing toys: Don’t focus only on electronic games. Bring drawing tools, clay, building sets, or imaginative toys. Invite friends for group play.
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Understand your child through their play: Watch what they like, dislike, repeat, or avoid — you will learn a lot about their personality, interests, and maybe even struggles.
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