More than half of parents will be looking for inspiration to entertain their kids before the end of the first week of the school holidays, research has revealed. A poll of 1,000 parents, with children aged between four and 12, found 65 percent find it tough to fit in time to play with their little ones, around their work schedule.
Consequently, four in 10 worry their time away from school isn’t as educational as it could be.
However, 61 percent have sought a solution by incorporating household tasks into playtime – with tidying up toys (53 percent), and washing the car (61 percent), being the most popular.
And 83 percent of parents say they notice a significant improvement in their children’s wellbeing when their day involves play.
A consultant clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience, Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, has partnered with Kinder, which commissioned the research, to provide tips for parents ahead of the Easter break through its Masters of Play platform.
Dr Kilbey said: “With parents under increasing time pressures, it might be easy to feel like they’re not doing enough. But in fact, they are doing a great job – and even just 10 minutes of play with their little ones can mean a lot.
“The relatively short period of time helps to nurture well-rounded growth, and strengthens the parent-child relationship. It has also been shown to encourage problem-solving, creativity, improve motor skills, coordination, and imagination.
“When it comes to vital social skills, engaging in play can enhance mood, and can help to provide an outlet for a child’s self-expression.”
It also emerged from the research that imaginary games like “superhero” (34 percent), “teacher” (33 percent), and “shopkeeper” (29 percent) take the top three spots. And 92 percent agree playing with actual toys can boost their little one’s cognitive function.
Dr Kilbey added: “Role-playing also fosters empathy and compassion, helping children to understand others’ feelings. Play scenarios even allow kids to practice conflict resolution, teaching negotiation and how to compromise from a young age.
“Many of these skills set us up for adult life – so whether it’s practicing sharing, or taking turns and collaborating, these skills can all be learned through play.
“The importance of play as a bonding experience is a key factor, too, as spending just 10 minutes of focused play helps to strengthen the parent-child connection – it’s an opportunity for parents to engage and listen, bringing them closer together.
“Building on this, regular play builds trust, and this shared play creates core memories, which reinforces the parent-child relationship.”
Nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) went on to say it is important to include an educational element in their children’s activities over half term. But 54 percent of those polled, via OnePoll, find it hard to know what can help to stimulate their kids’ minds.
Leonardo Bertelli, from Kinder UK & Ireland, said: “The school holidays are always a busy time for families, and finding time for play isn’t always easy.
“That’s why for over fifty years, we have been supporting parents, generation after generation, in fostering little moments of play that mean so much to them and their children. After all – a little play means a lot.”
