homemade playdough

Hands-on play with materials like playdough supports fine motor skill development in ways gadgets cannot. As children mold, squeeze, and shape, they strengthen small muscles, improve dexterity, and enhance hand-eye coordination. These activities also boost creativity, focus, and social skills, allowing kids to explore shapes, textures, and colors naturally. When children make their own playdough, they gain a special sense of pride and ownership, deepening their engagement.

Additionally, playing with playdough provides a calming, soothing effect, helping children who experience anxiety or distress to relax and focus through the repetitive motions of kneading, squeezing, and shaping.

Do you remember back in the days, playing in and with dirt?

In contrast, screen-based activities involve mostly tapping and swiping, which limits hand and finger exercise. Previously, outdoor play like digging in dirt or climbing offered rich physical and sensory engagement that strengthens small muscles, improves dexterity, and enhances coordination, essential for motor development. Today, promoting hands-on activities like homemade playdough is essential for balanced development, nurturing skills often missed with gadgets.