The Right To Play!

Below is copied directly from the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, recognizing play as a right of every child.

Article 311.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.

Play is so important to children's growth and development that it has been recognized as a basic human right. Unfortunately, that free unstructured play is dwindling for some children. We are so scheduled these days and the small amount of free time we do have with our kids is spent doing something "constructive." It is a shame to waste time.

I am so guilty of wanting everything to be scheduled and structured. As my husband and I were searching for a new daycare, we asked each one what kind of daily schedule they have for the kids. I even remember one lady saying that she didn't believe in schedules for kids. Inside I automatically ruled her daycare out. I needed to know that my son had a schedule of planned activities for the day so he wouldn't be bored.

Okay--so my son is 1 year old...the top of the milk jug entertains him. I don't know why I had such a strong need to know that he was going to be busy all day.

We have recently moved him from a large and very structured daycare facility to a relaxed unstructured in-home daycare. I can't believe what a difference the change has made! He is much more relaxed and doesn't whine or fuss as much. He doesn't seem as exhausted when he gets home. When we are home he doesn't cling to me and look to me for entertainment all the time. He now easily plays and explores on his own. His overall attitude is just more easy going.

This weekend we stayed home and hung-out. We had no plans, just did whatever we felt like. It was fun to watch him play on his own and fun to play along with him. He loves books and singing. He also likes play catch and build with blocks. So, I don't feel like he is deprived or going to be less prepared for school than other kids. I know that he learns a great deal through his free play and doesn't feel as stressed out.

My mom was right when she said every experience can be a learning experience. Things don't have to be planned and structured to learn from them.

I hope you and your kids enjoy these last few weeks of summer before school starts back up again! Don't forget to have some free time!

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