Post by University of East London

How much difference can a few moments of play make?   New research led by the University of East London in partnership with Kinder, has found that even brief moments of shared play can have an immediate and measurable impact on family connection, bringing parents and children physically and emotionally closer together within seconds.   The findings come from Phase 2 of the Power of Play: Family Connection study, led by Professor Sam Wass, Director of the ISEY - Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth. Building on earlier findings, the study explores how shared play influences emotional wellbeing, communication and family relationships.   Using wearable technology and machine learning, researchers observed families in their own homes and identified three keyways that play strengthens family connection:   💬 Conversations became more aligned, with parents and children responding to each other more often. 🤝 Families moved physically closer together while playing. ❤️ Parents' and children's heart rates became more synchronised, indicating stronger emotional and physiological connection.   Professor Sam Wass said,   "What we are seeing, in real homes and in real time, is just how quickly play brings families together. What surprised us most is that the effects continue beyond the play itself." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eK7b8kph #TeamUEL #PowerOfPlay #ChildDevelopment #EarlyYears #FamilyWellbeing

Video Content