We live in a modern fast paced world. There is so much technology on offer, it is no wonder our children like to sit behind a computer screen or in front of the TV.
But, how do our children learn most? What provides the most fun for children and the whole family? I don’t believe it is the computer or TV. When they are grown up, will they look back and think, I had a fantastic childhood watching the TV or playing that computer game? I think not.
How often do you see children playing outside these days? Not too often. Where has our children’s childhood gone?
When I think back to my own childhood, I remember family time together, running around outside, riding bikes, climbing, exploring, crafting, playing with friends and generally just having basic fun.
This is what I want my children to experience. I want them to look back when they are grown up and remember their childhood filled with fun, laughter and basic play.
Children learn best through play and their own exploration, they need to experience things for themselves, not just be shown it on a screen. They need to have time for independent play as well as parental guided play.
This also provides a great opportunity for family time. So much fun can be had playing with your children in a basic way……go jump in some muddy puddles, get painting, get dancing, go make a den, read stories or enjoy some pretend play. You’ll have a whale of a time!
And I guarantee, your children will look back at their childhood and love their family time together.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a bit of TV or computer, they definitely have their place in this modern world, it does need to be embraced. My children watch some TV just like everyone else, but, everything in moderation and not to the detriment of other things, playing, fun and learning.
Please join me in helping raise awareness of bringing back childhood and letting kids be kids.
This is exactly what I’m talking about. So important!
Love what you have written – just the sort of childhood we are trying to give our two little ones too 🙂 Have you come across Tim Gill’s blog – rethinkingchildhood.com? Very inspirational and well worth a look. I found myself spurred into action after reading it and (apart from climbing more trees as a family!) I now close my street to through traffic for the children to play out.
I’m with you 100%
I was beginning to feel a bit like an outsider in that I like my boy to be doing things other that watching tv or playing on computers but you’ve given me hope!
I so agree with you. children should run around more.
Have had similar conversations recently! Regarding kids going to clubs and things when in my childhood, we played outside with friends and stayed indoors playing. Not enough down time had these days!
I couldn’t agree more, childhood is a time to be treasured and nurtured.