As a parent I recognise that while children do need time to play alone and with other children without adult consent, research shows that playtime with parents is also important.

I know my children crave time with my husband and I especially since we travel so much for work. It makes them feel special. I also like to encourage parents to find time to spend playing with their kids on a regular basis. In my household, because of the age difference between my children I like to spend one to one with each child and group time with all of the adults and children in the house.

Some of the activities that they enjoy are:
– Play outdoors
– Throwing balls
– Pushing my kids on a swings
– Go on a hike around the neighborhood
– Take a nature walk in your backyard
– Play games – card games – board games – silly and wacky kids games
– I like getting them involved in a craft project together
– Building a jigsaw puzzle as a family
– Baking cookies and painting a picture
– We also enjoy going to the keyboard and making music
– We love reading a book and watching a movie together

Anne Welsh