As parents we often attempt to tell our kids how to play or where to play. But sometimes, it's good if we just sit down and let our kids play by themselves.
Some kids need time to acclimatise to the new environment, to start climbing up or to make contact with new friends, especially toddlers that still like to stick to their parents. That's okay. Give them time and let them observe a bit first. Eventually they will venture out and start playing.
The playground is their place and not ours. It is good to supervise kids, but still let them do what they want. We can encourage them, but we should avoid forcing them to do what we want.
If our kids want to watch ants for a while instead of use the playground equipment, then we should let them do that. Watching ants is a fun learning experience too!
If toddlers are trying to climb and it takes a bit too long, just let them take their time. Don't rush and don't be stressed, even if others are waiting their turn behind your child. If safe to do so, you can tell the waiting child to go past. You can guide your child by saying how to move (left foot up!), but the important thing is that your child is making the movement by himself. Don't push or pull. It will help your child learn and they will be more proud of themselves in the end.
The most important thing kids have to learn is how to play on their own and have fun with other kids. Learning by doing!
So true, and easier said than done! lol I try my best to leave them be and just keep a watchful eye…It’s easier now that my children are a bit older….but I’m still often tempted to butt in:0 lol. Thanks for the reminder:)
I am very much a “stand at the sidelines” person when it comes to my kids play. I let them play whatever they want and only intervene when necessary.
Learning by doing is so important. I work with teachers and the biggest thing I have to convince them to do is let their students productively struggle a bit and work through things rather than telling them the answer or how to do it. Same in life!
Great tips for new parents. I must save the blog.
Play is learning for children, and self directed allows them to grow so much socially, emotionally and cognatively. Thanks for sharing!
My two youngest are close in age so I never need to entertain them. At the park I may join in the fun for some exercise.
We literally did this last weekend! We went to the park and our daughter friend was there with her dad..so my husband talked with him, I talked with another lady I knew and the two girls just played and laughed and had so much JOY! It was the cutest. If no one is there, then we play with her at the park!
These sound like some great tips for people with kids I can imagine at times the playground can be a hard place for parent and child.
Great advice… Yes. Children should be learn by their owns… Thanks for the article…
I agree with you we tend to try to control everything we just need to allow them to be themselves but with safety in mind.
Learning by doing is so important. Children should be learn by their own. TBH these sound like some great tips for people with kids.
You are absolutely right. Kids need to be allowed to explore and learn new things, that is how they develop. One should just be a facilitator and observer and step in when necessary only.
I agree with this! Let them play and learn new things. It’s not fun for them if we will push them to do what they want them to do.
I did not realize this was a thing with parents. I always allowed my child to play as he wanted to.
This is what I realized too. That I should let my kids play how wherever whenever. They are kids after all. But, of course, safety must always be our top priority. We must make the play area safe for them before we let them in.
I totally agree not to rush. I hate when parents are telling their kids to hurry up because someone is behind them.
I’m not a parent but I can definitely see the benefit of staying out of it unless necessary. They can really find their voice.
What a wonderful post! I totally understand this. Hiding a kid away from what the world throws can restrict them from learning and they end up filled with anxiety as they age. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This is a great idea! Totally agree with it, need to let our kids find out what they like or don’t like, are capable of doing, etc. We just gotta let them be and help guide when needed