In a new study that was commissioned by the toy company, Hearthsong, it was revealed that:
99 percent of parents with a child aged 12 and under believe that children’s play is important for a variety of reasons, but in a world in which the demands on parents’ time are considerable, only 38 percent of parents say they spend at least six hours per week in active play with their kids. One in six parents doesn’t even spend an hour a week, averaging fewer than 10 minutes per day in playtime with their sons and daughters.
The study broke down what people considered “playtime” and how they played with their children. I’ll admit it. I am not a big player. I rarely play blocks or cars or house. I do, however, sit and talk to my kids. I will do crafts with them. I garden with them. I watch them climb trees, swing on the swings, slide down the slides, and whatever else it is that they do while screaming, “Look at me! Look at me!” I occassionally play board games and card games. I go for bike rides with them and will play jump rope and other outdoor games.
But I was left wondering where I would fit in on this survey. What would I have answered?
So let me ask you? How do you define “play?” How many hours would you say that you spend playing with your child per day?
Also, Hearthsong is having a scholarship contest at their site:
To celebrate the inherent connection between play and learning, and in commemoration of the company’s 25th anniversary, HearthSong is sponsoring the HearthSong 25th Anniversary $25,000 Scholarship Sweepstakes. The contest, which runs until the end of December 2008, will award three college scholarships – including a $15,000 grand prize scholarship – as well as 25 other prizes. Winners will be selected at random from among eligible entries. (More details are available at http://hearthsong.com.)
It took less than one minute to enter. You never know, you might just be the lucky winner!
Shesh.. I thought that when I started staying home that I would want to sit and drive cars around forever… But I don’t. I would rather scrub the floor.
But I read them stories and talk to them and sit outside with a book while they play or run. I still think its more than an hour a day but I don’t actively play with them very often.
Comment by DW — August 28, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
I am a stay-at-home mom so it is very easy for me to spend more than an hour with my kids. My husband is the one who needs to spend more time with them. We agreed that it isnt his fault since his job (Marine Corps) requires him to stay longer than average working dads. But we make try to make the best of the time he does spend with them. As young as my kids are they are staring to undrestand that daddy has a very important job, not just for us but for all of America.
Comment by Adelle — August 29, 2008 @ 12:07 am
As a SAHM with an only child, I play with her a LOT. Usually she goes to preschool a couple days a week so I can get things done, because I am weak that way. This week they’re off, so I watched a couple cartoons with her, we went on a walk checking out milkweed, caterpillars, flowers, etc., and rolled around in a tent set up in our yard, among other things. But I actually think I play with her TOO much, she needs to learn how to entertain herself more!
Comment by Brigitte — August 29, 2008 @ 6:47 am
Wow. I’m amazed at what society puts on us. This is ludicrous. First of all, I’m a certified elementary school teacher that has taken the last few years off to be with my own children. So, I have the background knowledge and experience to understand the value and importance of play. HOWEVER, I will say it is NOT our job as mothers to be our child’s playmate! It is our job to prepare them for their future by providing them opportunities for play with friends and by themselves (thus fostering independence). I do believe in the importance of quality time with our kids, but to think it is my job to PLAY with them is crazy. Yes, we interact and play games, puzzles, go to the park, etc, but this pressure of feeling that you have to be your child’s friend is ridiculous at best. It’s no wonder our children today have lost what we learned growing up: Respect your elders, etc. We cater entirely too much to the WANTS of our kids. Don’t let some study guilt you into more crazy stuff. You are already doing your job as a parent when you provide them these “opportunities” to learn to play with others and prepare them for the real world. Seriously. Pat yourself on the back for instilling values and respect in your children by distinguishing the difference between playmate and parent. But, DO take the time to do what a parent should…read with them, take them on discoveries, enjoy their creative energy, support them,and foster their imagination. Then take out CANDYLAND and have fun for the pure joy of it!
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Trackback by creditreportingalliance chart — January 12, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Okay, I work and go to school three days a week. Im tired. I play thirty minutes with them occasionally video games or play board games. I dont have alot of time to play all the time, but we do spend alot of quality time together, each of them get special time with both of us parents. I agree we dont want to be our childs playmates we just want to raise them into productive and respectable human beings.
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Trackback by móvil gleichnamige gesellschaftsspiel reglas — January 29, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
I am a stay home mom now.. I like the quality time I have with them but, on the same note I do miss my own freedom as well. I don’t feel they get enough social life as they did with centers tending to after school I don’t feel they have enough friends they need to be with their own age as well. I also tend to my own mother’s care she has disabilities. I feel like it too “Grown Up” I want them to have fun and learn. Sometimes needed outside of the house.
Comment by Cyndi — January 29, 2009 @ 11:33 pm
My husband & I started our own company a year ago , but he still carries his day job for insurance for us & our 3 kids 7, 4 & 3. But I work from home as the customer service manager.
I play with my kids often because I choose to not because a study tells me to. For my 2 youngs sons it teaches them respect, playing well with others and well as caring & sharing. My daughter is in school full time I am play with her later in the day.
I think parents should not only teach their child life lessons, but also have fun playing with them. Even if it is hearing a crazy song on the radio, holding hands jumping up & down and dancing without a care in the world. It’s these kind of memories they remember as they get older.
Life is too short enjoy playing with your children while you can because before you know it they will be grown and think “it’s not cool to hang out with mom anymore.
Comment by Lisa — February 6, 2009 @ 11:53 pm
I think playing with my daughter is just the greatest thing in my life. She is 8, and we have more fun with each other than doing anything else. We have Mommy Daughter days quite often and just take off and go somewhere and spend the whole day together. Our Favorite is going to the beach really, really early and collecting shells.My daughter can talk to me about anything and I never have to worry that she’s holding back. Spending time with your children opens up the lines of communication so that you always know where they stand and if they are having problems.It also brightens up your day quite a bit.
Comment by Amanda — February 7, 2009 @ 10:45 pm