Free Play in Children Is Important...

Free Play in Children Is Important...
.but unfortunately, this essential component of childhood is often denied in today's hectic world of school, extracurricular activities, after-school childcare, and after-school clubs. Children's time is largely scheduled, leaving little to no time for children to engage in unscheduled, free play time.

How Important Is Free Play?

According to research, very! The childhood obesity epidemic is telling us something; but also, children's cognitive, social, psychological and emotional development are all said to be affected by free play (or the lack of it). Play is also an opportunity for parents to engage with their children without interruption. (This can be really fun for adults!)

The American Academy of Pediatrics put out a recent report about the importance of play in children's development. Here are some of the ways children benefit from free play:

* Creativity is employed as children imagine scenarios and act out as characters. This prepares them for adult scenarios, much the same way that baby animals' play is actually preparation for adulthood.

* Children learn about their strengths and abilities during free play, which may boost confidence. They discover areas of interest and things they care about.




* Playing is an effective way for children to learn how to work together in groups, to give and take, and to resolve conflicts. Free play also encourages decision making, an essential life skill.

How Can Parents Implement More Free Play in Their Kids' Lives?

Parents can help their kids be free from the hurried, hyper-scheduled lifestyle that is so prevalent today. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

* Give your kids "real" toys, like wooden blocks and dolls that are not patterned after a preconceived character. Doll houses, cars, trucks, stuffed animals, and other toys that encourage imagination help toward encouraging free play.

* Parents may want to rethink their ideas of "success" for their children. Academic preparedness and performance and excelling in multiple areas are not the only measures of success, the AAP reminds us. Creativity, philosophical intelligence, imagination, negotiation, and artistic integrity are also measures of success and character.

* Let your kids play outside without an agenda. Sometimes, it takes an agenda to get them out there - say, collecting leaves or something - but once outside, try to pry yourselves loose from an agenda and just enjoy playing.

* Invite other kids to play, too. Although "play dates" are scheduled, it's non-scheduled time you're scheduling in! Arrange to meet at a park, at one another's house, or other area where free play can take place.

Maryjane Angelo

Visualize Your Way to Crafty |Maryjane's Blog

Visualize Your Way to Crafty

If you are a creative person, chances are that you will find every excuse in the book not to pursue that creativity. For some reason, it seems that creative individuals sometimes find it difficult to admit and embrace their creative side.

There are several reasons why creative individuals do this:

* They feel as though it is not as important as their real life job
* They feel inadequate
* Fear of failure stops many individuals from pursuing creative endeavors
* Negative self-talk may minimize their desire 
* Excuses for too little time may squash creativity

If any of these sounds like you, do not worry because you are not alone. If you ask any creative person, finding their way to crafty did not happen overnight. However, there are tips and out of the box ways to unleash that crafty part of yourself.

Creative Visualization

If you find yourself dreaming about creating unique and expressive crafts, whether it is through painting or writing or even creating crafts for gift-giving, but also find yourself stuck, creative visualization can help.

Learn how to make beauty products at home for fun and profit

One of the best ways to open yourself up creatively is to visualize your dream. If you dream of painting, picture yourself at the easel, 
meeting with new clients, and selling your artwork to a magazine.

Spend several minutes each and every day visualizing your dream coming true. Make sure to incorporate good feelings of excitement, joy, and fulfillment.

Eat, Drink, and Breathe Your Hobby into Life

If you have uncovered a desire to create a craft or take up a hobby that has been hidden for a long time, be sure to know that you have the ability to bring it to life. By speaking of your newfound desire, taking action plans, and focusing every day on your new endeavor, you will find that it will materialize faster.

Do something every day, whether it is to buy a new paintbrush, spend 15 minutes writing, or trying out a new craft. Be intentional about bringing this to life in your every day.

Declare It and Share It

Declaring aloud and to everyone who is within earshot that you finally intend to take up painting, crafting, or writing is the best way to motivate yourself. Making a declaration will always leave you in the position of having to explain, or make excuses, as to why you have not done what you said you would.
Below are some of the crafts that I learned how to create.There are many books to help you get started in arts and crafts that is how I started.

                                        


Your credibility is at stake and no one likes to have his or her credibility at stake.

By visualizing it every night, taking action steps during the day, and by declaring it and sharing it, you bring your craft to life.


Maryjane Angelo