Play serves an important purpose during childhood and is one of the main ways in which a child learns about the world around him. Apart from being a way in which a parents can bond with their child, it provides a child with the foundation of skills and knowledge which will prepare him for adulthood. There are several different types of play, the benefits of which include the following:

• Through play, a child has the tools to investigate and explore, learn about shapes and colours, discover the rules of cause and effect and gain an understanding of relationships. The child can become whoever he desires whether it be a doctor or fireman and thus learn about his environment.

• Play allows the child to step outside the rules dictated to him by adults and he has unlimited power over what he does. The child is given the opportunity to define the rules and make choices which ultimately allow him to have complete control.

• A child's self esteem is also built through play as children usually play with what they consider to do well and are successful at. As it is the child who makes up the rules during play, their chances of being able and successful are further increased and confidence is gained. For toddlers, there is no fear of failure or feeling of inadequacy in play as they are free to fail and try again without being told that they are wrong.

• Creativity and imagination are also stimulated through play. Whether a child builds a pretend garage or feeds a doll as a baby is fed, the child's experience of the environment is stretched as they enter the world of make-believe.

• Play allows children to learn and practise their social skills through interaction with their toys. Whether it be a teddy bear or a doll, children form relationships with non-threatening figures which provide them with a safe environment for learning to socialise. This foundation becomes even more important as a child learns to share and express his opinions.

• Language development is encouraged through the use of toys as when playing children learn use a wide range of words such as yours, mine, share, above, under etc. It is through expressing themselves whilst playing that a child can learn to comprehend new words and sentences.

• Through play, a child's feelings and emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety can be explored and worked through if necessary. For example a child requiring hospitalisation may express his anxiety by creating a similar environment using dolls and animals to represent doctors and patients.