Between school, homework, tests, and extra-curricular activities, kids today have far less time to play and relax than they did in the past. Fortunately, with some planning, you can ensure that your kids have the balanced lifestyle they need. Here are some tips to help you to ensure your child has enough playtime.
Schedule Unstructured Downtime
Although all kinds of play time are important, it’s important to allow children to enjoy unstructured downtime so that they can let their creative juices flow. Not only will this fuel their imaginations, but also ensures that you can feel relaxed and finally not be bound by rules and expectations.
Play Autonomy is Key
While you may love spending time with your kids, it’s important to give them time to play without your involvement. This is because often, as parents, we can’t help but give our kids guidance and instructions. By playing alone or with other children, your kids will figure out what they want to do and what they’re good at and enjoy.
Mix Up the Games
Sometimes, kids need some fresh air, meaning that playing outdoors is important. Still, they don’t always have to do this. It’s okay for them to play inside or use electronic devices on occasion so long as their usage is monitored. Ultimately, moderation is key.