Play is vital in all walks of the animal life from a puppy to a foal, research in animals’ show that brain connections develop during periods of play, and there's no reason to suppose the same is not true of children so play should not be underestimated.

Play is an important part of growing up to ensure children reach their full potential. It is really important in the fast paced world we live in to understand free play is not time wasting. Play with parents is just as important too as this develops social skills within our children.

Play allows a child to be in control and in charge which is the usual environment young children are in more than they are not.

Children learn about the world in which they live, they can explore, investigate and discover, test theories, and family values.

Play also provides the opportunity for children to work out their feelings. The importance of dealing with difficult or unpleasant emotions is immense.

Play helps with language development. Think of the wonders watching a child speak into an unplugged phone – talking away as if it were the most important conversation in the world (and no one to actually answer back!)

Play allows children to grow beyond their years. Who can remember playing schools with a classroom of teddies and dolls?  A great way to build on a child’s social and interactive skills.

So next time you take delivery of a large item to your home just remember what is more satisfying than giving a child an empty cardboard box and watching their imagination run wild.

TIP: Place some dressing up items into a cardboard box and see what your child becomes and where in the world they end up.