With kids back in school, it’s easy for families to fall into the familiar grind of a daily routine. Trying to remember to take time for creative play can be difficult, which means it often falls by the wayside, as other seemingly more “important” things rise to the top, such as extracurricular activities or homework. However, putting aside time to be sure your kids engage in creative play is every bit as important as what they need to do for school. Creative play develops problem-solving and leadership skills as well as behavioral control, among other valuable abilities.
Transmorphers move When everyone’s schedule seems packed, remembering that creative play shouldn’t be work can also be difficult. Simply making sure your kids’ schedules allow for some time to play is really all you need to do as a parent. But just in case you’re finding yourself at a loss as to how to get your kids away from video games and the television, here are three great ways to get them playing in no time!
1. Dress Up: Some things never change, and the fact that kids love to play dress up is no exception. Rather than giving away all of your old clothes, start a dress-up box Starsky & Hutch movies
! You’ll be amazed at what your kids come up with when they don old dresses or suits.
2. Prop Box: Creative play shouldn’t be ruled by specific props, such as store-bought things (i.e. a pirate’s sword, or a princess crown). However, this doesn’t mean props can’t be made or imagined! Whenever you think of throwing something out, think of how your child might see it. An old blanket can easily become a cape; an old scarf, a bandage.
3. Art supplies: Having kids get creative doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple paper and crayons can get your children actively participating in creative play in minutes. Add glitter, glue, safety scissors, construction paper – the possibilities are as endless as your child’s imagination.
How do you spur creative play in your children?