Free play. Remember that from when you were a child? Children now are surrounded by stimuli everywhere they go. From technology to stuctured activity. Most kids are entertained with each turn of their head, and as parents, we sometimes spend a great deal of time and energy trying to find ways to occupy our children. If only there was a way that our children could improve their brain health without all the unput from their parents.

Enter – Free Play.

The past year stopped us all in our tracks and offered the opportunity for families to tune inward with fewer structured activities and entertainment. Yet still, so many parents felt the need to occupy their kids.

When kids play freely, they learn how to figure things out on their own. They learn to explore and wonder and marvel at the simple things. Imaginations blossom when children are left make their own rules, and exercise their minds. Motion free activities like reading, and busy activities like climbing are a child’s way to explore their brains and bodies, and the more they are left to do that on their own, the stronger they can become in their individuality.

Letting children push their boundaries and learn what makes them happy without stucture, rules, and directing builds confidence, and inteligence. Research shows that over protection from risk taking can actually lead to anxiety in children. Some children who are left to explore their own minds create imaginary friends which is another way to lower stress in young people.

What better place for a child to play freely than the outdoors? With summer in full swing, children who play outside will take notice of Mother Nature’s surroundings. As their awareness and comfort of the outdoors and what nature can do grows, as does their curiousity and respect for Mother Nature.

Balancing structured play with free play sets children up for a better chance for longterm health and happiness. Free play empowers their potential as future adults – all while simply having fun!