When I was in college, I took a semester long class called “The Importance of Play”. Before taking this class, I had never really thought about the importance of play at all. This course ended up teaching me life long lessons. The importance of play has stuck with me through my different jobs as a Nanny, a teacher, and of course as being a Mom to many children. When I was young, children would be found playing outside, making up games, using their creativity constantly. In some ways, life was much easier 40 years ago. Streets were safe for kids to play on until the sun went down. TVs had only a few channels to choose from, with very little programming that appealed to children. There was no Internet, no World Wide Web, no social media, and no cell phones. Life was so easy back then. Our children today have too many distractions. They have grown up needing something concrete “to do” every second of the day. In todays busy world, parents might not realize how important open-ended play time is for their children. Creative play helps children develop socially, emotionally and even physically.
Michael Patte wrote a fascinating article titled, The Decline of Unstructured Play and the Rise of Backseat Children and I really enjoyed reading it. This article provided me with many ideas on how to incorporate more unstructured play time in our house. This topic of unstructured play is really very pertinent in 2015. Our children rely too much on structured activities and are not encouraged to explore and play on their own. Play without specific goals or objectives encourages creativity. Unstructured play periods develop a child’s self-esteem, self-discipline and improves their self reliance.
In my house you will typically find most of us in the kitchen. Cooking is an amazing way to let your children express themselves. When we first brainstorm a recipe we use our creativity to come up with something to make. Once we start cooking, the kids use motor skills to actually build the recipe from basic ingredients to the ultimate masterpiece. And finally, the finished product can be enjoyed with all five senses, building up a child’s confidence in their skills, and inviting them to explore new foods that they have just created.
While cooking, children and adults are both learning through play. There is so much to learn and explore when you ask your kids to join you in the kitchen. Since my kids are older, they like to follow directions and create a concrete recipe. But with younger children there are endless possibilities. Make a band out of your Tupperware and spoons. Fill a big pot with water and let your toddler measure and pour with small containers. Summer is perfect for water play, spread out some towels, and let your kids wear a swimsuit. Find a large bowl and fill it with rice and give your child some spoons and let them “cook” you some dinner. Combine vinegar and baking soda and see what happens! These are just a few ideas, the activities you can do with your kids in the kitchen are endless. Older children can learn and play in the kitchen as well. Recipes will require your children to follow the rules, learn fractions, use all their senses, determine what temperature to use, learn some chemistry, collaborate together and divide the responsibilities, learn how to use kitchen tools properly, and attempt to create an appealing presentation at the end.
Cooking is play for children if you allow it be. Sure it is much easier to grab some fast food or a cheap pizza on your way home. But cooking, exploring, and learning about food lasts a lifetime.
Please visit the website The Genius of Play and take the pledge to play with your kids today. You can also visit the Facebook page and join in the discussion.
If you have a free minute, watch this video
Please take some time today, get your kids to unplug, and encourage them to play and explore, and watch the magic happen.
Make play an important part of your child’s day every day.
This post was sponsored by the Toy Industry Association and the Genius of Play Campaign. They asked me to share with you, how our family incorporates play into our daily lives, especially in the kitchen.
What is your children’s favorite way to enjoy unstructured playtime? Share your ideas in the comments.
they are so cute!!! adorable
Thank you!
Great post! Play is SO important for kids AND adults – we get so wrapped up in “finishing the curriculum” or “getting the work done” that we forget that we are more productive when we are HAPPY! Found you through the Blog Loft.
Yes, sometimes the work can wait. Play is really important and in our busy lives play can left behind. Get out and just play this weekend!
I love to get my 3 year old to help in the kitchen. Not only is she learning and having something constructive to occupy her time. She is also learning a valuable like skill!
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You are right, you are never too young to help in the kitchen. Even 3 year olds can be helpful while cooking. Thanks for stopping by!
Our kids always enjoy cooking! You are right about all the distractions today. I think the kitchen is a great way for fun and teaching. My Grandmother used to do that with my Mom and Uncle. When my Uncle moved out on his own, he thanked my Gramma for all that she taught him, as he was surprised that some of his friends didn’t know much about cooking once they lived on their own. Your kids are adorable and it looks like they are having a great time!!
Thank you! It is true that if you teach your children to cook, they will be able to feed themselves and not have to rely on fast food. We love to create messes and masterpieces in our kitchen. Thanks for reading.
I agree, kids need to get out and play. Letting them in the kitchen is a great idea, and every child needs to experience play in the kitchen. I do believe they need a variety of play and playing outside is good. Kids now days just spend too much time inside and on electronics.
Yes, I hope that parents who read this will encourage their children to enjoy a bit of unstructured play each day.
Play is so important for kids! It’s how they learn, shoot…I’m an adult and I like to learn through play and interaction lol! Great post 🙂
Thanks! Play is important for everyone. In our overscheduled world, I think we forgot how to just play!
So important for development! Thanks for sharing.
This is a great post. Play is important for everyone! Thanks for linking up with us at the #HomeMattersParty and I hope you’ll join us again!
Thanks! I would love to join you again.
I love looking at your daughter cooking pancakes. My 4 year old daughter loves cooking pancakes with me too! She loves building structures using almost anything and I allow her as long as she doesn’t harm herself.
I agree! I get such joy watching my children cooking in the kitchen.
Play is important during all stages of childhood. My kids are teens so their play takes the form of sports. Even so I put limits on how much time they play on their gaming and computer devices.
My 5 year old son loves cooking with my mom and I especially scrambled eggs. We swear he is going to be a chef!
My oldest son is a chef and he really started very young, even around 1-2 wanting to be in the kitchen, stirring, and helping me cook. It really does start off young and it is awesome!
I agree .Play is so important .Mostly my kids play independently, but I need to get more involved too .Thanks for the reminder .
So true. I volunteered on a food week with children, here in Finland. They had such interest in where food come from so we visited a few farms.
Can’t wait till my children are old enough to cook. Looks wonderful.
You should start your kids helping in the kitchen when they are very young. There are many ways they can help you out. My daughter could make a lasagna by herself at 2 years old. I just put all the ingredients out for her and she knew what to do. Start them cooking when they are really young, then it is second nature.
I don’t have any kids just yet, but I do agree that it’s very important to have them play in the kitchen as well!! There are very valuable lessons to be learned in the kitchen. Love the post, girl!
So adorable. My kids love baking
Thanks so much for linking up with #justanotherlinky
Such a great post as play is when children learn the most. Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx