Playing With Purpose: Why Play is Important to Development

Have you ever taken a moment to truly admire the art and incredible beauty of watching a child at play? Their fully engaged spirit, drive, imagination, and passion are all completely vested in the mission of the moment. Whether tinkering with their next greatest creations or saving the day as their favorite superhero, children demonstrate freely and without any reservations the power of playing with purpose!

Maria Montessori once said, “Play is the work of a child.” How very true!

As parents, teachers, and coaches, we each have an incredible opportunity to step with intention each and every day into the world of a child, meeting them exactly where they are in their own unique phase and stage of development. But what are “phases and stages of development,” you may ask? Great question!

Stages of Development

For years, child development experts in the specialized fields of science and psychology have been uncovering the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social characteristics of adolescence at different ages and stages of development.

From this great body of research, Melody Johnson, founder of SKILLZ Worldwide, alongside her passionate team of Child Development Specialists, has combined firsthand experience, science, psychology, and proven practices to support the unique and critical aspects of a child’s holistic development. At Dauntless Martial Arts, by utilizing nurturing, age-specific curriculum designed to help children grow, excel, and exceed their developmental expectations, we are equipping them for bold, bright futures in their own distinct endeavors!

How to Support Play

Let’s take a deeper dive into purposeful play by considering two very different points on the developmental spectrum: a three-year-old and a fourteen-year-old.

A three-year-old is still rooted in parallel play, often mimicking or mirroring behaviors rather than engaging naturally in back-and-forth interactions.

A fourteen-year-old, on the other hand, is focused on exploring the dynamics of their social world, seeking and valuing the opinions of peers more than parents.

As the mind, body, and spirit of a child continue to grow and develop, so does their level of meaningful interaction with others.

But what happens when play doesn’t come naturally to a child?

Supporting Purposeful Play at Home

Here are some ways Proud Ninja Parents can nurture the power of play:

1. Create Time and Space for Purposeful Play

Set aside intentional time for back-and-forth play. For example, model behaviors in a simple game like tag with your 6-year-old. With a teen, “play” might look different—try asking what adventure they’d like to go on with you today. Connection remains vital at every age.

2. Set Up Play Dates

For younger ninjas, arrange play dates with trusted families. Start simple, like swinging at the park, and then introduce recognizable SKILLZ-inspired games such as “Alligator” to encourage both structure and fun. Step back as the play progresses, allowing friendships to form while you gently guide as needed.

3. Seek Expert Support

If you’d like more targeted guidance, connect with one of our Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialists at Dauntless Martial Arts. They are trained to assess and support your child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social stage of development. Together, you can develop actionable steps specific to your child’s needs.

Remember, purposeful play doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Some of the best play is simple, organic, and fully engaged.

A Village of Support

It truly takes a village to raise a child, and we are honored to be part of your family’s journey. At Dauntless Martial Arts, we are here to support you every step of the way as you parent with purpose.

Here I play with purpose.
Here I learn and grow.
Here I’m supported and nurtured.
Here I’m surrounded by a tribe of people who love me more than I know!

✨ Author: Meg Klettke

(Proud Ninja Mom, Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist, and Content Creator for SKILLZ Worldwide)