Playfulness has been described by Bundy and Skard as a child’s (or adult’s ?) disposition or attitude to engage in play. Playfulness encompasses intrinsic motivation and control during play, the ability to read and give play cues as well as choosing the degree of pretend play actions.
We are all born with a certain level of playfulness, which can remain stable across a lifespan.
However, studies have demonstrated that playfulness levels can increase when this specific aspect of play is focused on during intervention and when providing caregivers with tools and strategies at home and/or school contexts.
Higher playfulness levels have been associated with creativity, coping mechanisms and well-being in adulthood.
Playful engagement during childhood, not only serves to develop physical, social and cognitive skills for school going age, but even beyond that!
