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 this interview I have the pleasure to introduce you to Peggy and her family.
Please tell us a bit about you and your family.
We are a French/ German family currently living in Sweden. The kids are 8, 5 and nearly 3 and in September a new family member will join us. This will make 4 children born in 3 different countries.
We love to travel and explore…
Best playground.
I had one when we lived in Amsterdam and we must have been there every
Wednesday.
Because on Wednesdays all kids were home from school, daycare etc… The playground had toilets, some water plays and bikes, tricycles, scooters etc to lend…during holidays they also did some craft work shops…
In a free day what is your family favorite activity?
Exploring!
Taking out a map and/ or a book about the South of Sweden and deciding
where we are going…
We did a lot in the last 2 years but not everything :)
How do you play with your kids? With what kind of toys?
Since this summer the two older kids started to enjoy card and board games.
We played a lot during travels…
With the little one it is a lot about role play at the moment.
Cooking, dressing the dolls and so on… When we are out I actually like to let them
do their thing. If necessary I give them an idea what they could do,
like building a little house with sticks in the woods…
What is your favorite toy? And from your children?
I like simple wooden toys that are well made and have not just one purpose but can be
used in different ways. I love everything from Grimm’s for example.
Are books toys? If yes, then that is a common favourite for all of them. Books.
Otherwise my 8 year old likes everything crafty, the 5 year old boy his Brio train and Legos
{also one of my faves, a classic and so versatile}.
The little one her dolls. Oh and another common fave is play doh!
When you were a child what did you play and with what toys? What was your favorite one?
I remember a little wooden wagon with lots of building blocks. It was at my granny’s
and I spent a lot of time at her house and played with it all the time…
What kind of crafts/DIY projects do you like to do with your kids?
Any! I like to try new things. We made kites, we painted flowers pots, built rockets
from toilet paper rolls and so on…
Your children prefer playing or watching tv? What they see in television influences how they play?
Playing! I cannot see them behaving or imitating what they watch…
What is your kids favorite book? And yours (from their collection)?
We all love everything from Oliver Jeffers!
Please ask your kids “If you could choose to be a storybook charather what would you be? Why?”
The cat in the hat! Why? It is a clever cat with a funny hat!
Do you know how does your children play at school?
Generally lots of free play. Either on the school playground
or they go for a walk in the forest/park.
Your kids prefer playing indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors.
Does your kids like to create their own activities / games / characters?
Sometimes. I feel that I need to give them little hints for inspiration and I do because
I see that with everything that is offered to them these days, creating your own
is sometimes lacking… And I would like to see it more…
Sounds and music are important in your child playing?
We have instruments they play with and the kids love to sing, play and dance.
Another big, happy family that I had the pleasure to share here in this sweet interview – many thank’s Peggy!
You can follow Peggy at her blog – Paul & Paula – filled with so many inspiring things for the little ones.
***
I would really like to know how your kids play? What’s their favorite toy, the one they cuddle at night?
Please leave a comment below.
[…] a little interview with me about playing… so fun! Christmas tree stickers – glow in the […]