Let Kids Be Kids: 5 Paradigm Shifts For Letting Children be Playful
Let Kids Be Kids: 5 Paradigm Shifts For Letting Children be Playful
As much as we hate to admit it, some of the things that hold our children back from what the healthy play they need can be due to faults of our own. Whether because of our busy schedules or some misconceptions that we have, we might be limiting possibilities for them. It's a hard one to swallow, but it's better to realize when this is happening and correct it rather than waste time feeling guilty. So let's have a look at some of the common paradigms of modern parents so we can decipher where we might be going wrong.1. Dangers Are Not "Waiting to Happen"A very common misconception I see these days is the tendency for parents to think there are all kinds of dangers out there waiting for their children. Child molesters, murderers, and kidnappers are just prowling the streets looking for them, and for that reason we can't let them go anywhere alone or even let them out of the house without our constant vigil.Look, these things are realities in our worldI wish with every molecule of my being that wasn't true, but it is. However, that being said, it is far less of a reality or risk than we have been led to believe. The media constantly bombards us with stories about the worst things that happen in the world, and we begin to think of them as commonplace, but it's far from the truth.In fact, violence is not as common as it once was in the past.So a bit of perspective is in order. Use common sense, and teach your kids what to watch out for, but don't shelter them from the world. There will come a day when they have to step out the door and go live, and they'll be much better prepared for it if you teach them to take care of themselves young.The park, for instance, is not a Lifetime Original waiting to happen.2. Anytime Can be PlaytimeIn the busy schedules of families these days, there is little time for play. We are even starting to see a trend of families who have to plan their playtime, a phenomenon called the "play date." While it's important to do that if it's the only way, parents should also embrace that every moment offers opportunities for playing.I remember when I was a kid, we'd play games on the road like each choosing a color of car, and then we'd count how many cars we saw with that color and whoever had the most won. It's light-hearted things like that, or a simple session of making faces at each other, that can make every situation playful.3. Pop Culture is Not Doing Them Any FavorsTwenty or thirty years ago, it would have been a crime to not have an understanding of pop culture. Every kid considered it an existential obligation to know the lines from the best movies and the lyrics of all the top music artists.But these days, there is so much noise out there, that it's not possible to keep up with pop culture completely. And for the most part, much of what we bombard our children with is very negative in nature. Teach your children to unplug from the sound of the pop world, think for themselves, and develop more constructive ways to pass time.4. Financial Success is Not Always the Best Thing for Our FamilyFor the adults who work too much to spend time with their families, they often rationalize with themselves by saying it is for their family. Sacrifices now will allow their children to have a better home and a better future.While there is some truth to that, be careful about taking it to the extremes. Some of the best families I've had the pleasure of socializing with were not very well off financially, and what your kids really need and want is a parent that has time for them. If you must work for a better future, consider a family business where your children can be involved.5. Play is Vital to HealthOne last paradigm shift many parents need to make is to realize the role that "play" has in a child's life. If you look at many species of mammals in the animal kingdom, you'll notice the young spend a good deal of time roughhousing and chasing each other aroundit's their way of developing their motor skills and cognitive abilities.The same is true for humans. When children play tag or imagination-based games, they are developing their bodies and minds. It could be said that a child's playground is the workshop of the growing mind. A Fairy Theme Party for your Childrens Birthday is Wonderful Idea Helping Your Children To Deal With A Move Successfully Dieting For Teenagers - Weight Loss Tips Are You Setting A Good Example For Your Children By Cigarette Smoking? Do Away With Scary Dental Visits For Your Children Children's Table Plans - Here is Step-1 ! Teenagers' Risks in Acquiring AIDS - Saliva Or Semen Transmission is More Prone? by:Adam Rise Ireland Removals within Ireland with Children and Pets Best Basketball Recreational Programs For Children In Georgia Which Rainwear Is Suitable For Children? Cell Phones | Should your Children have them? Wholesale Cheap Children's Clothes Giving Children Omega 3 Fish Oil