Let them play some more
In the last post, we touched on how pre-school burnout is becoming a real concern. If you are a parent, my hope for you is that your child is at a school where the focus is on play. I know mine is and it is a great feeling knowing that the school prioritizes that.
If you are like me and are an over-achiever, you might feel pressured to do things with your kids. To teach them. To help them learn. The truth is that they need to be given space to learn how to play, which makes them ready to learn in 'big school.'
I have put together a collection of thoughts to help us foster more play.
Remember that all children are different. These tools might not be effective with your child, and maybe your child has the most incredible imagination and ability to play in their space irrespective of these points. <3
Allow them to feel bored.
So much has been said about this, but not enough parents do it. Switch off the TV. Put away the video gaming consoles. Pack away some of their toys. Then set them free to figure out their own games. Fostering 'quiet time' where they are left to their own devices for an hour in their room is a really thing for their imaginations.
Simplify their play space.
For some, this might mean creating a space to play away from their toys, and for others it will include packing away a lot of the stuff that clutters up their space. Institute a rotation system that works for you and your family so that they are developing creative ways to play with a few toys at a time. That also renews their love for their 'old' toys.
Be aware of your reactions to things.
Try not to say, "draw it like this" or "no, not like that, try this" because phrases like that stifle inherent creativity. I have been guilty of that but once you are aware of it you can change it. My little 3 year old has been caught saying this recently, "mommy I can do it any way I like" and I love it.
Be ok with mistakes.
They are allowed to make them. They should also be allowed to make a mess and figure out how things work. Develop your boundaries (like where you are ok for them to make a mess) and then allow them the space to grow and learn.
Stop comparing your children to others.
You have heard it before: all children grow and develop differently. Naomi Holdt (follow her on Facebook @NaomiHoldtSpeaker) posted a picture on Facebook recently with a reminder to parents: Popcorn kernels are all put in the pot at the same time, under the same heat, and they all pop at different times. Every child is different. On that note, also be careful of what Social Media makes you think your children should be doing at certain times.
(Having said this, if you have concerns, please feel that you can check in with your nearest health care provider).
Next up I will post some practical ideas of activities and people to follow on social media to get inspired by! Tune in.
Sources:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/7_ways_to_foster_creativity_in_your_kids
https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-ways-to-support-your-childs-creativity/