Free Time: Why Children Need It

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Free Time, do children really need it?

This post is the third in a 14 part series, where I take a deeper look at the 12 habits of immensely peaceful moms. Read an overview of all 12 habits. Then read the rest of the posts in the series here.

• Post 1: Why sibling disagreements are actually good for your kids.
• Post 2: Turn Off the Screen For Peace’s Sake

Do children know what free time is anymore?

As mommy’s we are pressured more and more to put our children in 20 programs and when they are not in a program, entertain them! Get the glitter out, get the games out, get the craft supplies out and make sure they are entertained by YOU. Now, I am a crafty mom. I love all things glitter and making crafts with my kids really is one of my favorite things to do.

But entertaining my children? I’ll pass. That’s what their siblings are for. I believe in the extreme importance of children learning to entertain themselves. This allows their creativity to flow and for them to learn how to combat boredom

When I was a little girl we lived out in the country and I remember my brothers and I running and playing together outside almost every night. When it was too cold to play outside, we found something to do inside. I am not sure how much time we had to play between school and bedtime but it seemed like eternity at the time.

I remember several things about my childhood but here two distinct ones that stick out: FREEDOM. Our parents gave us freedom to be children and play. They didn’t bombard us with a ton of commitments. The second distinct thing is LESS STUFF. I had toys. But I don’t remember playing with a ton of electronic toys that entertained me.

I want that type of childhood for my children. One where they have freedom play and explore without the constraints and pressures so many children have today.

Children aren’t offered enough free time these days.

Parents want their children to be given the best. They want to give their children the best. I do. I know you do too. Sometimes we think the best means putting them in every program and sport that catches their eye and buying them every shiny new electronic or toy.

But with every new sport and every shiny new electronic or toy, our children lose a bit of their free time. With their free time goes their ability to think freely enough to be creative and explore the world around them.

I am not saying all sports and electronics are bad. What I am saying is children need freedom. They need free time and it’s hard to do with too many things calling their names.

Our children lose their relaxing time because of too many commitments.

Imagine you only had 9 good years left. What would you spend those years on? Would you spend it on the computer? Would you bombard yourself with a ton of commitments? I’m betting you would make sure you had plenty of freedom and time to explore what you were interested in.

Our children have around 9-10 good years of childhood before adolescence hits them and then they become adults with responsibility.

Let them be little. Give them freedom to explore what their interests are before they have responsibilities, before they grow up. Your children need the free time to discover who they are and who they want to be.

How do you give your child their free time back?

• Tip 1: Schedule less sports and programs
  • 1-2 sports/programs at a time
  • Make sure their sports/programs don’t outweigh their free time.
  • Stick with what your child loves and is interested in
• Tip 2: Turn off the screens
  • limit or turn off screens completely
  • require a certain amount of free time before turning screens back on.
• Tip 3: Less is more
  • toys are fun. But the more a child has the less they play.
  • limit new toys to holidays and birthdays.
  • rotate their toys.
  • organize often.
  • invest in open ended toys that fuel imagination.
• Tip 4: encourage your child
  • if your child is not used to more freedom, encourage them to use their imagination.
  • explore something your child is interested in, do they like cooking? buy a cookbook for kids and cook with them!
  • Play with your child, this may help fuel their imagination as they explore with their newly founded free time.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about Free Time

Free time for our children is precious. It’s short. It’s an important part of their childhood and growth. Moms, we need to guard their free time fiercely. We can protect their free time and allow them to explore their interests without allowing our children to become exhausted and overwhelmed before they are grown.

Introducing your child to imagination starters is a great way to fuel their creativity!

What is your favorite imagination starter for your child?

click here to submit your own tip

Related: 63 mom hacks that are pure genius.

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If you are new to the Peaceful Nest Blog, welcome!

Be sure to read my top posts on parenting:

• Why Consistent Parenting Matters
• 12 Habits of Immensely Peaceful Moms
• 63 Mom Hacks That are Pure Genius
• Connect With Your Child and Build Up Their Heart

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