A new school year means a new set of extra-curricular activities. But wait! Before adding that additional art class, hear me out.
From sports to music and art, it's easy to get swept up in ensuring our children have every opportunity to participate in developmentally supportive experiences.
But, in this rush to organize and plan, we sometimes overlook a critical element of childhood: ✨️free time for unstructured play.✨️
Children spend their entire day being directed while at school, from following classroom rules to adhering to set schedules.
After all this structure, children need moments free to decide how to spend their time.
✨️This is where play comes in—particularly the child-led kind, without the boundaries of adult expectations.✨️
So, as we map out the weeks and months ahead, let’s not forget the value of providing an inviting space for our children to play freely.
Having a designated area in the home where your child can be in charge of their activities can be incredibly liberating for them after a day of being told what to do and where to go.
Undoubtedly, extracurricular activities enrich our children's lives, but balance is essential. Let’s ensure that in addition to lessons and practices, we also carve out time for our kids to be kids.