CHILDREN must continue to play every day to boost their health and wellbeing, a charity has urged.
PlayBoard NI said it was a worrying and uncertain time when everyone was experiencing many changes in their lives.
The organisation said it was important to remember that children needed daily play.
It said playing was an essential part of young people's lives helping them keep active, boosting their health and wellbeing, and was crucial for their learning and development.
"With schools now closed and children spending more time at home parents are understandably worried about their children's education," said Chief Executive Jacqueline O'Loughlin.
"However, we mustn't lose sight of one of the most central elements of a child's life – play. This is especially important during times of uncertainty when play can help children make sense of the world around them. It is through play that children develop many skills such as resilience and the ability to cope with life's pressures, stresses and anxieties.
"Allowing children the freedom to decide their own play adventures enables them to draw on their own imaginations and creativity, such as turning everyday household items into dens, rockets, boats, or whatever their minds can visualise. Time spent at play is not wasted time but is continually contributing to the development of our children."
PlayBoard has collated a checklist of indoor play ideas and activities for children to try and will be sharing more ideas in the days ahead on www.playboard.org.
"If possible and following government advice, spending time outside is also vital for children, helping them meet their daily activity needs," Ms O'Loughlin added.
"As parents we can help our children by providing opportunities for play, following their lead, and by bringing a playfulness to our everyday lives."
