I humorously watched as my grandson lined up all the bicycles and outdoor riding toys, readying them for his “car wash.” The fact that he was wearing his preschool graduation hat, two backpacks, and had marker lines drawn across his face resembling war paint was of no concern to him. As he reached for the beloved garden hose, his little sister, artistically covered in blue sidewalk chalk and dragging Daddy’s shovel behind her, shuffled over in a pair of Mommy’s shoes to share in her big brother’s antics.
I marvelled at their imaginative play, and also at their mother’s ability to let them be. Although she watched closely, she didn’t interfere in their play, giving them the space they needed to create and imagine on their own.
I love Charlotte Mason’s quote: “Never be indoors when you can rightly be without.” And yet establishing safe boundaries is still essential. While these parameters greatly enhance creative play by offering security, they also aid in our children’s overall health and well-being.
We know that outdoor play allows children to build, imagine, experience, investigate, explore, predict, and create. And extensive studies have shown that playing outside also improves the immune system and eyesight. It promotes social, emotional, and cognitive skills while strengthening language and communication. It also increases a child’s attention span by engaging them in problem-solving activities. Even better, outdoor playtime is a stress reliever and can greatly reduce ADHD symptoms.
Children do not need a great amount of instruction nor the latest toys and gadgets to make them happy. Freedom—mixed in with a little mud, sand, and water—will take care of that, thus becoming elaborate pies and castles while old blankets and sticks become secret forts and hideouts.
Given over to imaginative play, children will end their days blissfully exhausted, but not before they share these wonderful discoveries with you. That thick bathtub ring will bear witness to all the fun that was had, and the fresh air consumed will ensure a good night’s sleep for everyone!
My parenting philosophy has always been that “outside is the best side.” So let the kids get out in the fresh air and imagine, thrive, and flourish! A washing machine, bathtub, and good cleanser is all you need to see you through these summer months. Your kids instinctively know how to create the rest!
