UNICEF Portugal launches the “Playing is never just playing” campaign on Monday, highlighting the role of this activity in child development and the creation of safe emotional bonds between children, parents and caregivers in the first years of life.
Launched as part of Parenting Month, the campaign is dedicated to the importance of safe relationships between parents, caregivers and children in the first years of life, says the organization. The initiative was presented on World Children’s Day and continues throughout the month of June, with the highlight being the International Day of Play, on June 11th.
“The campaign aims to raise awareness of the essential role of play in child development, reinforcing the importance of daily interactions between children and adults, as a basis for learning, emotional development and the construction of secure bonds”, he explains.
The organization emphasizes that in the first years of life, especially between the ages of 0 and 6, children’s brains develop more quickly than at any other stage. “It is through the relationship with those who care for them and the experiences shared in everyday life, that children learn to communicate, relate, solve problems, deal with emotions and discover the world around them”, he highlights.
With this campaign, UNICEF Portugal aims to “reinforce the message of closeness and ease to parents and caregivers: playing does not require expensive toys, complex activities or long periods of time”.
He also highlights that “small moments of attention, presence and interaction have a significant impact on child development”.
“Playing is much more than entertainment. When a child plays with their parents or other caregivers, they are developing essential life skills and strengthening relationships that are fundamental to their development and well-being”, maintains the organization.
UNICEF also argues that it is essential to ensure that there is space in everyone’s daily lives to promote this moment of encounter, with “simple games that allow attention and interaction”.
“There is no need to plan highly elaborate programs, in special locations: what matters is the daily, simple, close, safe meeting”, says the director of Child and Youth Policies at UNICEF Portugal, Francisca Magano, quoted in the statement.
Throughout the campaign, UNICEF Portugal will share informative content and practical guidance on the importance of playing in the first years of life and on simple ways to integrate moments of play into families’ daily routines.
Tips are available at website on UNICEF Portugal’s social networks.
