Exhausted Enjoy these uncomplicated ways to keep kids entertained

By Catherine Lambert August 25, 2021 â€" 6.00am

Mud pies, with a fine crust of twigs and a side of leaf stew, are the order of the day in locked down households.

Siblings Sophie, 6, and William, 3, are among the Australian children calling on their own wondrous imaginations for entertainment, offering some reprieve for parents exhausted by the juggle of care, schooling and work, and tired of being told to “get creative” â€" particularly in Victoria where playgrounds are closed.

Sophie and William show off their latest mud pies.Credit:Penny Stephens

The play taking place during lockdown may appear to be old-fashioned, but Australian Toy Association research fellow Alex Chung, mother of Sophie and William, says it’s a delight to observe. Better yet, it’s largely self-directed, giving parents a break from active engagement.

“Once the children get going with an idea, their own creativity takes hold and stems from there,” says Chung, from Hawthorn East in Melbourne.

“We give the children a range of props, such as silicone cupcake trays, measuring cups and wooden spoons, and they set about making mud pies which is the latest craze in our backyard.

“That’s all we have to do, as well as giving them permission to play in the mud and not worry about the mess.

“It’s kept them entertained for days and days, playing out there for two to three hours at a time and they just peel off their clothes at the back door before I throw them in the wash. It’s so joyful to see them play for themselves.”

Uncomplicated, traditional play activities are a good alternative to screen time and off-limit playgrounds, and Chung says the simple joy of having fun is of great benefit to her children.

“Kids have played forever and as time has gone on, we’ve made it more complicated, but the fundamentals are still there â€" it’s about children exploring their world,” she says.

“Play and opportunities for activity are so important for having a happy child and a happy household.”

Alex Chung gives her children props and allows play time to be messy.Credit:Penny Stephens

Monash University early childhood development lecturer Dr Sarika Kewalramani says music is an easy and effective way to play that is also calming. Role-play is another option for self-directed play.

“Any play that calls on the imagination such as creating characters in a story or collecting leaves from the park and turning them into a picture at home, stimulates the brain, sensory motor skills, language and speech,” Kewalramani says.

“This generation of children has had self-learning drummed into them so much that they’re becoming very resilient learners. A child who wasn’t using imagination much is now, and that’s a very good outcome.”

Dr Judi Parson, course director of Deakin University’s Master’s of child play therapy, says the old game of throwing a sheet over two chairs to make a cubby house is still one of the best.

The world created in that makeshift cubby can soothe a child, help express any latent emotions and even build resilience.

“The therapeutic powers of play are immense,” Parson says.

“Parents need to know that play is really good at increasing their child’s personal strengths as in developing resilience, facilitating communication, the endless opportunities for self-expression and creative problem-solving.

“It also builds their moral development and self-esteem, fosters emotional wellness and enhances social relationships because they can project onto their toys such as Teddy or a puppet and build empathy as well.”

No-fuss play ideas

Get groovin’! Make a short playlist for breaks between home learning and longer playlists to celebrate the end of the day or week.

Treasure hunt. Kids can plan a route around the house and garden, write clues that lead from one to the next and hide a special prize to be found at the end.

Photography. Take a digital camera when you go for a walk and snap nature photos that can be made into an album later.

Home camp. Give kids the sleeping bags for them to set up camp in the living room or, if you have a tent, let them pitch it in the backyard.

Shops. Allow your kids to set up shop. They can design it, arrange their toys to be the merchandise, make price tags, write up posters for advertising and even name it.

If you have three children that need occupying, set up a school for the day or let them prepare and conduct a concert.

Source: Alex Chung, Australian Toy Association research fellow

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