As the impacts of the cost of living crisis continue to be felt, the national Playful Childhoods campaign is promoting the benefits of low-cost or no-cost opportunities to play for children of all ages.
The campaign, run by the charity Play Wales, is launching a film ‘Playing on a shoestring’, alongside guides and tips, which encourage parents and carers to be led by their children’s own creativity, to mark Playday (2 August). Watch the film here.
Playday is an annual awareness day to emphasise the importance and value of play in youngsters’ lives – in Wales and the rest of the UK.
This year’s theme is ‘Playing on a shoestring – making every day an adventure’. It acknowledges the profound impact the cost of living crisis has been having on families and focuses on the everyday low-cost or no-cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, in play settings, and in their communities.
The ‘Playing on a shoestring’ film features children around Wales being presented with a box of everyday household items to inspire their play.
Its aim is to show simple play ideas that don’t need to involve expensive activities, costly toys, or trips to far-off destinations this summer, as the children use their innate creativity and sense of fun to interact and initiate their own play, without adult involvement.
Mike Greenaway, Director of Play Wales, said “Children have a limitless potential to be imaginative and to think creatively – it’s what they are doing when they are playing. We need to give children more opportunities to play everywhere, every day. We know it can be particularly important during times of crisis.
“Playing helps children and teenagers make sense of the world around them, deal with challenges, and build resilience. This film shows it is often the simplest ideas, the free and found opportunities, which offer the most fun, and are the most beneficial for children and teenagers.”
Playing is one of the most prominent contributing factors to a child’s overall wellbeing with over 90% of parents across Wales saying playing has a positive impact on the mental health of their children, alongside 70% of children saying playing makes them feel happy or excited, according to a survey conducted by Playful Childhoods in the last year.
But 62% of children said they would like to play more and nearly one in three – with 35% of parents in agreement – said scrolling on TikTok and watching YouTube videos was stopping them from doing so.
The Playful Childhoods campaign from national charity Play Wales is aimed at helping parents and carers give children the time, space and support to play at home and in their local communities.
The Playful Childhoods website includes guidance to support parents to help children of all ages to get what they need most out of play, with ideas and resources to increase understanding about children’s play and its importance for health and happiness.
For more information on playful parenting advice, tips, guidance and support, visit www.playfulchildhoods.wales.