play

[Matlockbath]

The Coventry Telegraph's teacher columnist says children need unstructured play. Any tips on how to fit it in around nursery or school, grocery shopping, swimming lessons and things like that?
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/news-opinion/school-talk-children-need-time-6930549

My DD is only 3.5 (goes to school this September, and currently attends Preschool 5 mornings a week) but I don't find it hard to fit it in. We have at least a couple of afternoons with nothing solid planned per week, and she just does her own thing. I suppose it helps that she does not have any lessons and I do the shopping online, so maybe we don't get out as much as most people!

I tend to do shopping either online or while kids are at nursery/school which means they have all their free time to play as they choose

I tend to do shopping either online or while kids are at nursery/school which means they have all their free time to play as they choose

Ds is 3.5. He doesn't go to nursery or playgroups. His day is as unstructured as it can be. He's a happy soul. I do say things like, "what shall we do today after shopping/lunch/nap etc?" so there is a loose plan but generally the day is his own. I love that he can fill the day up using his imagination and ideas.

I'm not looking forward to him starting nursery.

I very rarely do anything structured at home I used to try because I felt I should but then I noticed that DS seems happy just pottering around playing with his toys so at home we just chill out he does his thing with I tidy up and watch Emmerdale :)