Positive Parenting – Summer Schedule: Unstructured Playtime
by Lesley Iwinski
In a culture where, ironically, we need to “schedule” unscheduled time, summer allows us to look at the way we and our children spend our time.
Not too long ago, the “ideal summer” saw children jumping from one camp to the next, taking math or reading classes to “get a head start,” participating in intensive sports, or all of the above.
Now we know that the ideal summer should have a ratio of twice as much unstructured free time as structured free time.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should spend at least 60 minutes playing outside per day.
Sadly, half of the children in the U.S. are spending no time outside at all.
How did we arrive here? Many of us jumped on the speeding train without considering where it might take us.
That train creates stressed-out children who struggle with anxiety, peer relationships, lack of confidence and a shaky sense of self.
Not to mention the stress it creates for parents who are just as trapped by an unrelenting family schedule.
But, as the old saying goes, “Awareness is the beginning of change.”
Summer has begun, but it is not too late to change course.
Dr. Madeline Levine, clinician, educator and author of several books including “Teach Your Children Well” and “The Price of Privilege,” describes the following benefits of free play:
- It miniaturizes the world so that kids can deal with it
- It teaches them how to handle stress and conflict
- It’s a feast for the senses, which are the vehicles for childhood learning
- It gives kids a sense of power in a world where they are essentially powerless
- It bridges the gap between imagination and creativity
- It teaches us about ourselves.
So, how can we facilitate this fertile and enriching unstructured play time?
1. Schedule it – or better yet, schedule around it
2. Provide materials such as:
a) The outdoors
b) Water (with supervision)
c) Simple items such as cups, balls, cardboard box, scarves, jump rope
3. Engage
Why engage? In the beginning, you are one of the essential ingredients that provides security and a stable base for your little ones.
Follow their lead, and run an appreciative sportscaster-like commentary.
When they show their discoveries, look in their eyes and share their wonder.
Best of all: engagement will bring you into their world where the present moment and all its inherent beauty lives.
Dr. Lesley Iwinski is the mother of three grown children, a family physician and owner of Growing Peaceful Families, LLC. She offers classes, workshops and seminars.
Info: (859) 333-3053 or www.growingpeacefulfamilies.com.