Wellbeing & further support

Children love to play; it is an important part of their development.  Through play, children learn how to build relationships, make friends and share.  Play can be imaginative, creative and give opportunities for children to express their emotions.  

Play doesn’t need to involve lots of expensive games, toys etc. Basic play such as peek-a-boo, hide and seek, eye spy etc., can all be enjoyed as long as you appear interested and keen to play.   

To play is a child’s right under the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. It is a fundamental human right and a large part of a child’s health and well-being.   It is a natural and instinctive behaviour that should be encouraged and supported throughout childhood. It is one of the most important things that we can do to improve children’s health and well-being in Scotland.    Play is one of the most powerful and important elements in children’s enjoyment of their childhood. 

Want to play?

A simple game could be peek-a-boo, speaking to someone, telling jokes, board games, noughts and crosses, a drawing game, eye spy or anything that comes to mind.

Benefits of play

• Releases surplus energy
• Stimulates muscle growth and motor coordination
• Provides the opportunity to practice actions useful in adult life
• Expression of gender roles
• Develops imagination
• Develops language skills
• It provides a rest from reality and can be a good distraction.
• Opportunity to express feelings and alleviate tension

Play can be an escape from what is going on or just a welcome distraction to relieve boredom.  Simple games like Simon Says or “can you find?” are simple, instant and fun!

Why is Play in Hospital important?

Play helps children to express their feelings.  Play becomes even more important for children in hospital, as it can help them understand their illness, and treatment brings a feeling of normality and helps them relax in strange surroundings.

Children can be given opportunities to handle medical equipment and play with preparation dolls under guidance and supervision.  Play can help relieve feelings of anger, fear and frustration.  It builds up a child’s confidence and can prevent them from becoming distressed or withdrawn during their medical treatment or periods of ill health.

Coping with Feelings

Messy play, using water, sand, paint, clay, and jelly, is ideal for children to express themselves and is very popular. Active play can help reduce excess energy. Imaginative play can become a channel for expressing feelings. The Play Specialist understands the needs and will help the child in the best way possible. Many of the games and pastimes are the same as those enjoyed at school or playgroup. Family play is encouraged in the ward so that everyone can feel involved.