More Play, Less Planning: 5 Tips for Parents
Submitted by Eryka Woods, Lethbridge Sport Council
As summer starts to wind down and back-to-school season gets closer, life is about to get a lot busier. Between school, activities, work, and everything else that comes with the routine; finding time for play can sometimes feel like another chore to fit into the day.
But here is the good news, play does not have to be another thing to plan.
Kids are pretty great at turning ordinary moments into opportunities to play. A cardboard box can become a spaceship, a walk can turn into an adventure, and a few free minutes can lead to a game you would have never thought of yourself. Sometimes, all they need is a little time and space to see where their imagination can take them. As routines start filling up again, here are five simple ways parents and caregivers can make room for more play, without adding more to the to-do list.
The goal isn’t to plan more play for your child, but to create more opportunities for play to happen naturally. Here are five simple ways to get started:
Let them Lead
Kids don’t always need us to decide what play should look like. Giving them the freedom to choose what they want to do, make up their own rules, or change direction halfway through gives them ownership over their play.
Instead of starting with instructions, try giving them the time, space or a few simple materials and see where they take it. Their idea might look completely different from what you had in mind, and that is part of the fun.
Make everyday Moments Playful
Play doesn’t always need its own spot on the schedule. Some of the easiest opportunities can happen during the things your family is already doing every day.
Turn the walk to the car into a race, play I Spy while running errands, make up a silly song while getting ready, or see who can balance the longest while waiting in line. Even a few playful minutes can turn an ordinary part of the day into something fun.
Follow their interests
Kids are often most excited to play when it connects to something they already love. Whether they’re currently fascinated by dinosaurs, animals, sports, superheroes, or anything in between; their interests can be an easy starting point.
You do not have to plan an activity around it either. Give them the opportunity to bring those interests into their play and see what they come up with. Today’s favourite animal might inspire a pretend zoo, while the love of sports could turn into a brand-new game with rules of their own.
Make space for boredom
Hearing “I’m bored!” doesn’t always mean you need to have an activity ready. A little unstructured time gives kids the chance to come up with their own ideas and figure out what they want to do next. It might take a few minutes (and maybe a few more complaints), but leaving some unstructured time gives kids the opportunity to decide what comes next. Sometimes, giving kids the space to create their own fun is all they need.
Play Together
Sometimes, the best way to encourage play is to join in! Let your child teach you their made-up game, kick a ball around, build something together, or bring back a favourite game you remember playing as a kid. The key is to join their play without taking it over. You don’t need to organize the activity or have a plan; follow their lead, have some fun, and enjoy the chance to connect.
Keep Play Going As routines get busier, making time for play doesn’t have to mean adding more to your family’s schedule. Sometimes, it’s simply about leaving a little room for kids to explore, imagine, and create on their own. Whether it’s five minutes before dinner or an afternoon with nowhere to be, remember: more play doesn’t have to mean more planning.
Sources and References
https://www.psy-ed.com/wpblog/play-and-social-skills-development/
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/what-is-free-play?utm
https://www.unicef.org/lac/en/parenting-lac/early-learning/science-play-child-development?utm