Understanding the Role of Shared Play in Families
New preliminary research, backed by Kinder at the Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY) at the University of East London, delves into how shared play enhances language abilities while strengthening emotional bonds within families.
This initiative aligns with Kinder's global Value of Play project, which has assembled a panel of academic and clinical experts to investigate how play fosters active learning and overall development for children.
Impact of Play on Emotional Connectivity
As families gear up for school holidays, Kinder is unveiling findings from this research, demonstrating the remarkable benefits of shared play in reinforcing family ties. The study utilized innovative wearable technology that gathered data from children and family members during play sessions at home, revealing how even simple play ignites joy, boosts language skills, alleviates stress, and enhances emotional wellness.
Sam Wass, Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London, noted, "Our preliminary investigations have uncovered a significant trend: while families may occupy the same space, they often find themselves mentally distant from one another. For instance, one child might be engrossed in a video game, another in a toy, while another could be drawing. Although solitary play holds value for fostering independence and creativity, our research highlights how shared play can unite families into a coherent unit. Through shared moments of play, family dynamics come alive."
Creating Stronger Bonds Through Joint Play
Wass further explained, "Our research highlights that play can deepen the connections between children and their siblings and parents, resulting in more coordinated communication patterns and physical interactions. More impressively, it seems that play might also synchronize family members' moods and stress levels, showcasing the vital role of play in emotional bonds and collective mental health. I'm excited to see Kinder's ongoing investigation through the Value of Play panel continuing to uncover new insights for families."
Ongoing Research Efforts with the Value of Play Panel
The established panel of leading academic and clinical experts has taken a deep dive into the childhood benefits of play. Over the past year, experts have conducted independent studies assessing how joyful and spontaneous play contributes to children's overall growth, focusing on their emotional and social development alongside their imaginative capabilities. These distinguished panellists include:
- Sam Wass, Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London
- Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, Consultant in Clinical Psychology
- Victoria Murphy, Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Oxford
- Lynn Ang, Professor of Early Childhood Education, University College London
Kinder is committed to fostering a cultural shift towards valuing play within society.
Promoting Play as Key to Development
As Emiliano Laricchiuta, Global President of Kinder at Ferrero Group, remarked, "We aim to nurture a society that cherishes the time spent in play. The transformative power of play fascinates us; not only does it promote children's joyful development, but it also strengthens family connections. This global initiative brings with it a tremendous sense of pride, as it enhances Kinder's partnerships with field experts." He further stated, "Together we will continue exploring the profound benefits of play on early childhood development. The research findings will serve as a valuable resource for families, guiding the way we design our products to be engaging while rooted in scientific knowledge. This enables both children and parents to benefit from play authentically."
Future Research Directions
Further findings from the expert panel are set to be disclosed later, with additional insights expected through 2026. Upcoming studies include:
- The Power of Play (PoP) Study: This research aims to understand how play supports early learning and development, particularly focusing on social and emotional growth through various play styles.
- Impacts of Digital Technology on Young Children's Learning: This will assess how digital tools, including AI, influence children's learning experiences.
Insights will also follow from the LiFT project, a collaborative effort involving Ferrero International, Gameloft, and the University of Oxford's Department of Education, which focuses on utilizing Kinder's Applaydu platform for researching how technology supports children’s literacy and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Kinder's research with the University of East London?
The research investigates how shared play promotes emotional connections and language development among family members.
Who are the experts involved in the Value of Play panel?
The panel includes renowned figures such as Sam Wass, Dr. Elizabeth Kilbey, Victoria Murphy, and Lynn Ang.
What technologies are being used in Kinder's research?
State-of-the-art wearable technology is utilized to monitor emotional and physical interactions during play sessions at home.
How does shared play impact family dynamics?
Shared play helps to unite family members, synchronized moods and interaction patterns, which strengthens overall family bonds.
When can we expect more research findings from Kinder?
Additional findings will be shared throughout 2025 and into 2026, focusing on ongoing studies related to play and child development.
