Learning Through Play!

It seems to be a reality in most families that children are busier than ever!  My husband and I were recently visiting with some family members who have two children who are very active in all their activities, for example summer camps, swimming lessons, soccer, baseball, and more.  With two children and a boat load of activities, and each activity taking more and more time at a younger and younger age (e.g. 3 nights each week for baseball), it is evident that parents are busy trying to maintain a schedule while children are getting less time to just be kids!  While organized activities are important for children for a variety of reasons such as social interaction, team work, and more, it is important that children have free time to explore their interests and engage in child play.

When I was a child, things were very different.  My parents enrolled me in activities like summer camp, gymnastics, skating, piano lessons, etc., but none of these activities took nearly as much time as they do today; I always had time to run around outside, explore, and discover myself through play.  Through all these unstructured play activities, I learned so many skills and life lessons.  These times that I was allowed to just be a kid, I truly treasured and I'm looking forward to letting our children do the same.

This summer, life may seem busier than ever or it might be a bit quieter depending on what type of structured activities your children are enrolled in.  When your children do have free time, give them options that will allow them to just be a kid (and take joy in remembering how much you enjoyed doing the same when you were a child)!  If it feels like there is no free time, schedule free time!  Make a point of setting aside a day, an afternoon, or an evening each week that is free from structured activities.  This is a great opportunity to spend time as a family, allow your children to interact with other children on a one-on-one basis (play date), or allow them some time to play on their own or with their siblings.

Some examples of opportunities you can provide your children with during this 'free time' can include activities such as:
- Playing outside with toys of their choice.  This will allow them to explore the environment and themselves, plus, they'll probably manage to squeeze in a bit of physical activity time!  They'll learn new skills, improve on established skills (e.g. hand-eye coordination), and learn more about who they are and what they like.
- A play date with one of your children's friends.  This will give your child a chance to play as a team, learn necessary life skills (e.g. sharing), and engage in free play (e.g. make-belief). Did you know that when children play amongst themselves, with a friend or an adult, they gain and improve on the skills needed for more complex learning in later stages of their lives?

So, as life gets busier and busier, it is important to remember as parents that as much as structured activities are important and beneficial for children, free play is just as important!  Try to set aside some free time each week that allows your children to just be kids! 

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.