Definition of play: engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose; engage in (a game or activity) for enjoyment; amuse oneself by engaging in imaginative pretence;
Since I make toys – and I’m a mother of a little one – I begin to grow more and more curious about playing. How children these days play, how parents interact and play with them, how can we play in a fun way with them, how playing can help children’s development…
For my first interview I have the pleasure to introduce you to Tessa White and her family.
Please tell us a bit about you and your family.
We are a family of 4. I have two children Kitty who is 6 ½ and Harrington 5. We love to be outside and adore swimming but are equally happy all hanging out at home with some books or DVD’s.
Best playground.
Our best playground is the beach. It comes in abundance and is fun in any season.
In a free day what is your family favorite activity?
We love our local pool and my daughter is pretty keen on basketball so we just enjoy geting out in the sun and folowing it up with a yummy milkshake. In Winter the Cinemas are always a favourite.
How do you play with your kids? With what kind of toys?
We are a real Tomboy house so we have lots of cars and Star Wars but Jenga is fab fun for all of us and we love drawing with the kids and setting them colouring challenges. We like to get up to the parks and play ball with some scooter races for fun.
When you were a child what did you play and with what toys? What was your favorite one?
I had Cabbage Patch Dolls and My Little Pony but my favourite was Hello Kitty and The Care Bears.
What kind of crafts/DIY projects do you like to do with your kids?
We do Lego alot with our children as they do lots of art at school.
Your children prefer playing or watching tv? What they see in television influences how they play?
My children are very influenced by what they watch on TV. I truly think they prefer playing but these days I find they need a lot more interaction with us to get them going.
What is your children’s favorite book? And yours (from his collection)?
My favourite books were Paddington Bear but for my kids we have so many I could never choose!
Do you know how does your children play at school?
Kitty is mad keen on handball and plays with the older kids. Harrington plays alone alot and is just happy zooming around with cars.
Your kids prefer playing indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors… they are very physical and need the space!
Does your kids like to create their own activities / games / characters?
They pretend play all the time. Sometimes Mummy and Baby but often Good and Bad vs each other and they re phrase chapters from Star Wars or something similar.
Sounds and music are important in your child playing?
When they are playing they make all the noises for themselves… Music they love to sing too but not to create themselves.
Thank’s Tessa!
Tessa is the founder of Down That Little Lane. You can know more about her here.
Photos by Tessa White.
