For the last 6 weeks, our garden has been renovated by landscapers. After years of living in the city, we’re excited to get our own space. We’ve in fact, been saving for 10 years to make this happen.
When talking to the designer about our plans, I mentioned the importance of making space for the children to play. To which she responded, ‘but they’ll only be young for a few more years, then they’ll just want to play on their consoles.’
She wanted us to focus on the bigger picture and the longevity of the garden, rather than what it would be used for in the present.
But here’s the thing though, my children’s childhood is happening right now. I don’t want to make our entire garden an adult space. More to the point, I believe that fostering a love of the outdoors now means that my children are more likely to engage with nature later on in life too. It ultimately doesn’t matter that they will only be little for a few more years.
I want my children to connect with nature.
I want them to recognise that they feel better when they have time outdoors.
So we’re keeping our child friendly outdoor space because I want to savour their childhood for as a long as possible.
Play still matters, it just changes form
Maybe in a few years time, my children won’t want to play in the garden, but it’s important that they have the opportunity right now. I want them to have fond memories of their childhood and who even knows what their play might inspire in the future?
Perhaps my potion obsessed eight- year -old will become a scientist?
Maybe my energetic six -year -old will play sport?
Regardless of whatever they end up doing as teens, I don’t want to limit them now.
I used to focus solely on the early years of childhood. Perhaps rather selfishly because that was the stage my children were in, however, now that my children have grown older, I can’t help but feel like we ignore the benefits of play in the middle years and beyond.
Whilst I don’t think by any means that screens are ‘bad’, I also don’t believe that we should be in a rush for children to grow up and become more sedentary simply because they are older.
There’s definitely a middle-ground here. One where children can enjoy games AND appreciate play in different forms.
When my eldest son discovered Warhammer, I was overjoyed despite it being something of an expensive past-time. I love that he is doing something creative that doesn’t involve spending more time in front of a screen - he does get his fair share of that as a home schooler.
Play in the middle years and beyond might look like:
Play dates independent of you
Longer durations of independent outdoor play
Games with rules – this doesn’t mean football or an organised sport, but games where the children have come up with the idea and subsequent rules.
Time spent practising a hobby or sport
Artistic and more elaborate versions of play which might last a series of days
International Day of Play
June 11th marks the first ever ‘International Day of Play which has been coordinated by Lego Group and includes a whole host of organisations including Save the Children, Hasbro and Mattel. This coordinated Child and Youth Advisory Board surveyed 10,000 children and youths from around the world, with the main goal of making more space, time and opportunities for play.
Together, we will champion all children and young people to play and strive for a world where every child can learn, develop, and create friendships through play.
The inaugural International Day of Play is a fantastic way to become more mindful of what play looks like for your family. Small, intentional steps towards making play a priority is much more beneficial for your children than having one big blow out day, followed by nothing.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spend 10 focused minutes with your child each day, playing a game of their choice
Include independent play in your daily schedule
Review your home / garden - does your child have a dedicated space where they can play?
Design an invitation to play with toys, loose parts and household items to spark imagination
Visit the local park after school instead of going straight home
Something that has brought me joy this week…
The house is an honest to goodness mess right now, but i’m still determined to bring elements of beauty into it whilst renovations continue.
That’s why I’m overjoyed by the advent of peony season. Now I just need to figure out how to grow them, so if you have any tips on that front, let me know!