How Does Play Decrease Egocentric Thinking?
“How does play decrease egocentric thinking? I read an article recently that dipped into this topic, but am trying to learn more about it for taking care of my niece and nephew.”
When we are born, we don’t have the ability to understand that others may have different feelings, thoughts or perspectives. Children think for example, if they like strawberries, everyone else must like strawberries. This is called egocentric thinking. Children think this way until they are around 6 or 7.
Play helps children develop their emotional, social, and cognitive skills. This is why it is so important that children are allowed to play. Play is not something that children just do. Play has a purpose, and this is why children should be allowed to play.
During play, children have to share with others. They learn about others’ children’s opinions, ideas, and beliefs, and they begin to understand that they are different to their own. They see that others do things in a different way. All of these help them to leave behind their egocentric thinking.
So, the important thing is that you allow your niece and nephew to play. And remember that children benefit especially from unstructured and outdoors play.
I hope this information is helpful. Your niece and nephew are lucky to have an adult as committed as you are!
You may also find these masterclasses useful:
Forest School: Everything You Need to Know
Lots of love,
Ana
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.
Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.
Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.
Again, great writeup!
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Ana
Ana
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Ana
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte