Play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical wellbeing
of children beginning in early childhood. It is a natural tool for
children to develop resiliency as they learn to cooperate, overcome
challenges, and negotiate with others. Play also allows children to
be creative. It provides time for parents to be fully engaged with their
children, to bond with their children, and to see the world from the
perspective of their child. However, children who live in poverty often
face socioeconomic obstacles that impede their rights to have playtime,
thus affecting their healthy social-emotional development. For
children who are underresourced to reach their highest potential,
it is essential that parents, educators, and pediatricians recognize
the importance of lifelong benefits that children gain from play.