Play isn’t “just fun”; it’s training for the growing brain. It sharpens coordination, speeds up thinking, and helps youngsters learn emotional regulation: knowing when to ramp up excitement and when to calm down.

Another benefit is learning to handle the unexpected. Life is full of surprises, whether you’re a fox kit or a schoolkid. Mock chases and friendly tussles create small, low-stakes stressors (like being pounced on by a sibling or losing a tug-of-war) that build resilience.

Over time, playful individuals often grow into more adaptable, successful adults. Elephant calves that engage in lots of play cope better with stress and survive at higher rates, while young dolphins that invent games tend to become more socially successful. Play, in other words, isn’t optional; it is for building stronger minds and bodies.