Hide-and-seek is a fun and interactive game that allows kids to explore their surroundings. There are many advantages of hide and seek; the game enables reluctant kids to get outside and play. It can even help them to overcome a fear of separation. Hide and seek also helps children learn to count, teaches them self-control, and encourages critical thinking. Most kids love fun games which they can play with their peers, and hide and seek has been a favorite amongst children for generations.
Let’s look at what kids can learn playing hide and seek.
Spatial Awareness
Hide and seek may seem like a simple game that’s fun and entertaining, but it does bring children many benefits. Kids can play hide and seek from a very young age, which helps them gain spatial awareness as they find the smallest place they can fit into.
Cognition
Hide and seek also helps with cognitive development.
It’s fun to watch kids playing hide and seek as they will be running around, getting exercise, and if they are playing outside, fresh air. This helps them to build their stamina and will also aid in muscle development.
Imagination
Kids playing hide and seek will need to search for their friends, and this encourages them to use their imagination. They will also have to develop problem-solving skills, to try and decide on the best place to hide.
Object Permanence
Hide and seek teaches very young children the concept of object permanence. Just because you can’t see something or someone doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Often hide and seek type games will be played with babies; games such as peek a boo aid in cognitive development and make children giggle.
Social Skills
Hide and seek will also help children to develop social skills and play with others. They may have to deal with conflicts between players and will have to take turns or work as a team. The game can also help shy children to build confidence; they’ll have to shout, ‘ready or not here I come,’ and the game will encourage players to talk when they have found someone. Older children will develop negotiation and organizational skills when playing hide and seek. They’ll have to decide who’s going to be ‘it’ first.
Motor Skills
Hide and seek can also be challenging, and children may improve their balance, coordination, and agility, especially if they have to climb, run and jump while playing.
Risk Management
Hide and seek, like any other physical games, involve a risk. Kids playing hide and seek should be supervised and given some ground rules. As a parent, you may like to set out a safe area. You can also ban the children from climbing above a certain height or tell them about places that they should avoid. Kids should be given an audible signal, which means the game is over in case you’re unable to find a child who has a good hiding place, or it’s time to go home.
Tradition
Playing hide-and-seek is fun and entertaining and has been enjoyed by children for generations. Hide and seek is a traditional part of childhood, and there are many benefits of the game.
What kids can learn playing hide and seek?
From learning to count, developing social skills, and having a run around outside, hide and seek can help your children to develop agility and help with cognitive development. The game benefits growing children in many different ways and is a tradition that should be encouraged by all parents. Why not suggest a game of hide and seek with your children; close your eyes and count to ten (or a hundred). Then ready or not, here you come!
