AIMS Mohali Celebrates first ever International Day of Play for Hospitalized Children

SAS Nagar: AIMS Mohali celebrated the first ever International Day of Play (dedicated to safeguarding a child’s fundamental right to play by United Nations), today, bringing joy and therapeutic benefits to admitted patients in various wards. For children, in particular, play is crucial for building relationships, improving emotional control, overcoming trauma, and developing problem-solving skills.
It helps them acquire cognitive, physical, creative, social, and emotional abilities they need to thrive in our rapidly changing world, said Dr Bhavneet Bharti, Director-Principal.
The celebration at AIMS Mohali featured range of activities tailored to the needs and abilities of the hospitalized children . From pretend toys , adaptive toys, blocks, life size toys , arts to interactive puppet shows sessions, the event aimed to provide a cheerful diversion from the routine hospital environment and to foster a sense of community and support.
In recognition of the International Day of Play, Dr Bhavneet Bharti , Director Principal of AIMS who is a Pediatrician herself highlighted the critical role of play in the healthy development of children, drawing insights from a recent cross-sectional pilot study on screen use among children aged 18-24 months. Conducted by Dr Aditi as a part of an ongoing thesis titled “Association of Screen Time with Language Delay in Children,” this study underscores the importance of interactive and physical play over screen-based activities.
The Key findings of the study are following:
Among the participants, 26 were males and 24 were females.
– 56% of children lacked toys.
– 68% lacked art materials for drawing.
– 60% lacked materials to enhance fine motor skills.
– 84% and 72% lacked learning and reading materials, respectively.
– Parental Involvement
– Only 16% of parents were actively involved in their child’s developmental advancement.
– A mere 2% of children responded well to parental verbal play.
The study employed the Stim-QT tool to measure verbal exchanges and cognitive stimulation at home, revealing significant correlations between these factors and a child’s developmental outcomes. Given that home environment activities are crucial for proper child development, it is imperative for families to be mindful of the quantity and quality of screen time and to engage in nurturing, interactive, and fun-filled play activities
Dr. Amarpreet, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, stated, “On this International Day of Play, let us all commit to creating enriching environments that support the holistic growth and well-being of our children, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for them.”
Joining Dr. Amarpreet, Dr. Jasmine, Dr. Ravika of DH Mohali , along with social workers and nurses, actively engaged with children, participating in various play activities. Their involvement highlighted the joy and importance of play in children’s lives.
The event was warmly received by patients and staff alike, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage in enjoyable activities.