Apart from a busy lifestyle, toys in my opinion have a large role to play in this conundrum. Many modern toys, as sophisticated and attractive as they may be, are actually counteracting children’s imagination. Many modern toys give a few minutes of high excitement, a press of a button initiates movements, noises or flashy lights. Many computer games and apps do little for children to get creative and prescribe storylines and activities.
I can honestly say that my children’s favourite toys are blankets, chairs, pillows and empty cardboard boxes! With these simple props they have travelled the world in cars, trains and airplanes, treated countless patients in hospital, have survived camping trips in the desert and jungle and have minded many babies and children in their crèche. Don’t get me wrong, they also love their (limited) activities on the iPad, but I believe most children still love these simple games when given the time and the choice. A recent favourite is their “pebble puzzle”, a box full of pebbles we have gathered up from many trips to the beach or other outdoor adventures. There is no end to the possibilities and we have spent hours thinking up new pebble creatures and characters.
Especially for young children it is important to foster social skills, encourage their creativity and provide opportunities for free play. The simpler the toys are, the more children have to activate their imagination. Traditional toys and games like building bricks, old fashioned doll houses, train sets, hand puppets, doctor’s cases, construction toys, tea sets and cooking utensils or dressing up boxes encourage interaction and pretend play. Playing “mother father, child”, “coffee shop/restaurant”, “hospital”, etc., are still firm favourites when kids are given time and space to create their own fun.
We have to try and find a balance for us and our children in order to create more time and space for unstructured, free play. Children love to be independent and live in a pretend world of their own creation and imagination rather than being constantly guided, supervised and entertained. This will also give some time and space back to us parents, some time off from being a taxi driver and event organiser, some time to take care of ourselves!
Alex Koster is a mum, teacher, mindfulness practitioner and author/blogger. Originally from Germany, she has also lived and worked in Co. Tipperary/Ireland since 2000. She is married and has two beautiful daughters aged 4 and 6. She has always had a great interest in education that goes beyond just traditional academia and strongly believes that children learn best through play-based approaches combined with outdoor/nature experiences. You’ll find her at her website Roots and Wings, and find her new book on Amazon.
