The Play Report

10th January 2010

Background

Countries included in the research

The Research
8,000 Internetbased interviews were conducted with parents (10 minutes duration) and 3,116 interviews with children (4 to 5 mins) during October and November 2009. In each country: c300 parents of 012 year olds interviewed c100 children aged 712 interviewed In addition we spoke to IKEA FAMILY membe rs worldwide

What is play for?

What is play?
Building Reading Role play Exercising Creating Thinking Dressing Up Cooking

What does play do?

Children spend much of their time playing

Stages of Play

Free Play
Play doesnt have to be scheduled Children will always play in some form Free play comes naturally to children

I think play is an essential and important part of the way a

child develops 93% of parents agreeing

What do children say about play?

What parents think about creative play

Children and creative play

56% of children said I would like to spend more time in the kitchen baking with mum or dad

56% of children think watching TV or playing computer games gives them ideas and helps them to be creative

Social Interaction
The ability to form friendship has a direct effect on childrens wellbeing

Childrens thoughts on social interaction

Summary
Play is good for children It is the way kids can explore and find out new things Playing is great fun, and is a place where imagination and creativity can flourish, and emotions and feelings can be acted out Play can lead to mastering new skills, such as balance, to walk or run Play allows children a means to build relationships with peers and friends

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