The learning and development of Australian kids is under threat because they're not playing outdoors, engaging in constructive, creative play.
A nationwide Newspoll survey revealed that the average kid is spending at most, just 10 percent of their free time playing outdoors at home. Alarmingly one in 20 parents (5%) admits when their kids are at home they NEVER play outdoors. Instead the majority of Australian kids are spending far more time indoors, watching television, playing computer games or playing with toys.
Years of research shows that constructive play is an essential part of fostering inquisitive and strong minds. Playing outdoors is therefore key to normal development and lack of exposure to this kind of experience may put some children at a disadvantage.
Getting messy is how they learn, explore and express their creativity. It also helps them to stay healthy by encouraging them to exercise and by bolstering their immune system. Importantly it is through play that children learn to explore
The Newspoll study has revealed that the 'clean kid' syndrome is widespread. Two in five kids (40%) are permitted by their parents to get dirty no more than two or three times per week.
And, according to the research it's mainly because their parents are concerned about their child's safety, but also because they're worried about cleaning up any mess their kids make.
Almost all those parents polled (96%) said they wanted their kids to excel at school, in sport and socially, yet they're reluctant to let them kids get their hands dirty. One in four (23%) youngsters never get the chance to get messed up indoors either by cooking or doing craft activities.
It is clear also that Australian parents underestimate the benefits of free, unrestricted play for children as most would prefer their children to do homework than play outside.
So, just how restrictive has outdoor play become for Australia's youngest generation? Six in ten (62%) parents claim that as kids they spent more time playing outdoors getting dirty than their own children do now, including three in ten who spent more than twice as much time outdoors getting dirty as their children.
There is a clear need to rethink how children spend their free time and how their lives are organised. Australian parents are a well-intentioned, anxious, misinformed group. We all care greatly about our children's futures however in an effort to give them the best possible start in life we are run the danger of robbing of them of childhood that we are trying to protect.
For too long Australian parents have been fed the message that they need to start their children on the educational track from an early age. So kids from as young as two are routinely shunted around from one organised activity to another in an effort to maximise their development.
Parents need to be encouraged to buck the 'clean kid' trend and be less anxious about their kids getting messy. But where to start?
Let's start by insisting kids turn off the TV or computer and get outside more often. In a back to the future move let's introduce some old-fashioned activities such as finger painting, making mudpies, leaf stencilling and generally mucking all in the name of good clean fun.
Importantly, parents need to value the simple interactions that they have with children on a daily basis such as cleaning up a spill together or making a bed. From my experience parents underestimate the positive impact that these ordinary interactions have on children.
And it would be good for the well-being of both parents and kids if they spent some time getting down and dirty together. My hunch is that most parents do this anyway but they just don't value these messy experiences enough.
Michael Grose is Australia's leading parenting educator. He is the author of six books and gives over 100 presentations a year and appears regularly on television, radio and in print.
For further ideas to help you raise happy children and resilient teenagers visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au . While you are there subscribe to Happy Kids newsletter and receive a free report Seven ways to beat sibling rivalry.
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
One of the most powerful tools that parents have for... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
There are a lot of sophisticated parenting theories and techniques... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
We all want to comfort our children after they suffer... Read More
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit how... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
Winifred or Willow? Thomas or Troy? The name you choose... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
What parents of a teen haven't wondered where their sweet... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More
Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge .."There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
Q. My daughter has gotten very good at manipulating us,... Read More
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More
What you say and do about money has a profound... Read More
Assuming there are no serious motor problems present, what can... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
Is it hard to communicate with your teenager about issues... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
Q. Things have been relatively calm and OK with our... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
Here is a list of ways to convey the message... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Parents of teenagers frequently ask what can be done to... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
1 - Forgive even if you will never be able... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
Voices!So many voices crying out for adherence and so many... Read More
Choosing to leave your child with a caregiver is one... Read More
Spending quality time with your children doesn't need to cost... Read More
Parenting |