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Obesity in children could be solved through play, according to a leading child development expert. The University of Utrecht's Professor Jeffrey Goldstein, from the Dept of Social and Organisational Psychology, unveiled research showing how important play is to children at the important International Toy Fair in Nuremberg. The research also showed that young animals with access to surplus food do not become obese but they do play more. The findings support moves by toy manufacturers and industry bodies to promote active play, including Europe’s leading manufacturer of play and function dolls, Zapf Creation. The company has just launched an initiative encouraging a return to traditional play. Zapf Creation has invested in developing a bespoke playbus which will tour the country, taking opportunities for traditional play out to children around Great Britain. A special resource pack is also being created for pre-school practitioners, linking play with the six Early Learning Goals set by the Government. The pack will be available to nursery schools free of charge. Mary Wood, of Zapf Creation, said: “Professor Goldstein’s findings show what we have believed for some time, that active play is important in helping children develop key skills including dexterity and coordination, imagination and social skills. And it makes sense that play, or lack of play, could link in with instances of child obesity. “We hope our own programme will help communicate the importance of active play out to parents and childcare professionals across the UK.” For further information, please visit www.zapf-creation.com. |
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