Hi Friend,
Summer is almost here! This is a time when many parents are excited about summer plans, but also wonder about how a child’s life is affected while they’re on summer break, especially if sufficient time, means, or energy from parents isn’t always readily available.
This might be you. You might feel the pressure of having to “entertain” your children. You might feel required to play with your child ALL the time because that’s what society says “good parents” do. I’m here to tell you, none of that is true.
Working as a teacher in the classroom for many years, I learned two very important things that continue to support my parenting today: Children are always learning, and they have the natural curiosity and ability to play productively and independently if they are given the opportunities to do so. Your play environment can serve you and your child well, supporting your child’s growth and saving your physical energy and mental capacity.
What can you do about it?
Take a close look around your home and remain thoughtful of the learning tools you would like to include in your play environment and dispose/donate broken and unused items. Children thrive when the materials they use are not only safe, but also cater to their interests and skills.
Here are my personal product recommendations for including Outdoor Fun, Movement, Music, Sensory, or Art to your child’s summer experiences!
Creating a culture in your home that values the importance of independent play takes time and practice. Learn how to build your child’s play skills so they feel confident to play on their own in my recent article, “Encouraging Independent Play (Infants, Toddlers + Preschoolers)” and how to position your role in parenting as your child’s leader, guide, and mentor, not “entertainer”. | 
