Say yes to adventure! During children’s play be like a lifeguard. Lifeguards observe swimmers attentively and intervene only when necessary. Observing and not intervening in play has many benefits to both the child and the adults. Although this article from Active for Life is aimed at parents, the principles and tips included are applicable to those that work in early years settings and school environments as well.
The effect of helicopter parenting or supervision, where all children’s play and activities are hyper-observed and interfered with in order to protect the child, is beginning to come to light. Recent studies highlighted in this article on Let Grow show that children raised this way have higher instances of anxiety and depression, as well as being less creative and spontaneous in their spare time.
We need to give space and freedom to our children so they can explore and discover the world and what they are capable of.
