Learning How to Play in a Technological World

Our children are living in a technology world. Electronic media is everywhere, entertaining all ages as well as influencing our choices. How can parents keep YouTube and iPhones from taking over their children's lives?

"Unplug" your life to experience differental recreation activities with your children. Try having a backyard treasure hunt, play hot potato, or create an arts and crafts together. Unstructured play is very healthy for a child's brain as it builds creativity and imagination. It also helps develope problem solving skills through the trial and error of experience.

Here are some helpful ideas of items to have handy to encourage spontaneous play.

• Stock shelves with blocks, art supplies, and dress-up clothes.
• Recycle plastic containers that can be used to hold water, pour sand, or hide secret treasure.
• Keep cardboard boxes as they can be used for dollhouses, fire stations, or castles.
• Save old blankets and pillows for making cozy tents, caves and forts.
• Collect Halloween costumes and fabric remnants to create plays or act out book characters.

Guiding your child to use their imagination is rewarding and fun for the whole family. It will create memories that will be retold for a lifetime.

Have fun!

Gina