“Mum watch this, you’ve got to see it,” my son shouts at me from outside. Today’s adventure involves a homemade skate ramp and the totally awesome (as reported by him) jump he just mastered. But what is not unique about today is that statement; the one I hear every day from him, the one I hope he never stops saying.
Our children love of play and learning seems immeasurable when they are young; it almost oozes out of them. But as they get older, the curiosity slows down and statements like “you’ve gotta see this” dwindle. They find themselves quickly in a world of packed schedules, planned activities, and pressure-filled school days.
I don’t know about you, but when I was a child, some of the best opportunities to learn took place in my backyard. Growing up, my brother and I spent entire days blissfully playing and using our imagination to create our own summer camps. The backyard was our playground and the trees our monkey bars. We sold lemonade, studied ant hills, played kickball, roller-skated, and read books under our weeping willow tree until the sun went down.
Childhood play is crucial for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Many parents today believe they are acting in their childrens best interests when they swap free play for what they see as valuable learning activities. Unscheduled playtime is one of the most valuable educational opportunities we can give our children. It’s the place where children strengthen social bonds, build emotional maturity, develop cognitive skills, and shore up their physical health.
Now let’s go roller skating!
Mila is wearing a jumper by The Animals Observatory, a skirt by Bobo Choses. Both available at Orange Mayonnaise.
Rima is wearing a dress and tights by BangBangCopenhagen. Both available at Orange Mayonnaise.
Heilliana is wearing a jumper by The Animals Observatory via Orange Mayonnaise.
Rima is wearing a T-shirt by Tiny Cottons, overall by The Animals Observatory and socks by Bobo Choses via Orange Mayonnaise. Rima’s shoes are by Young Soles via Kidding.
Mila is wearing a skirt by The Animals Observatory via Orange Mayonnaise. Tights by Raspberry Plum and shoes by Young Soles.
Heiliana is wearing a jumper by The Animals Observatory via Orange Mayonnaise. Mila is wearing a jumper and beanie by Hello Simone! via Kidding. Rima is wearing a jumper by The Animals Observatory via Orange Mayonnaise and beanie by Milk and Biscuits via Kidding.
Mila is wearing a beanie and jumper by Hello Simone! and tights by Raspberry Plum via Kidding. Skirt by The Animals Observatory via Orange Mayonnaise.
Heilaina is wearing a Raspberry Plum hairband and tights via Kidding. Her jumper is by The Animals Observatory via Orange Mayonnaise and shoes by Chapter2.
Rima is wearing a jumper by The Animals Observatory and skirt by Bobo Choses via Orange Mayonnaise. Beanie by Milk and Biscuits and shoes by Young Soles via Kidding.
Dress by Gabriel et Valentin, tights by Raspberry Plum via Kidding. Shoes by Chapter2.
Photo and Style by Charlotte Cohen
Beauty by Sandra Lamzabi
Photo’s first published on Mini Maven
