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 Maggy and her family.
Please tell us a bit about you and your family.
We are multicultural family – my husband is British and I am Austrian. We have two children aged 6yrs and 8yrs – a girl and a boy.
Best playground.
The Princess Diana Pirate Ship Playground in Hyde Park London – it is fabulous, but sadly we don’t go there often enough!
In a free day what is your family favorite activity?
We like to do all sorts of things – sometimes we go for a walk in the local park, sometimes the kids like to cycle. Sometimes we get crafty and other days we just hang out at home. My 8yrs old is now really getting interested in board games, so we like to play those too.
How do you play with your kids? With what kind of toys?
When they were little, we had lots of simple puzzles, lots of toys for pretend play (e.g. a tea set and stuffed animals). My kids would also enjoy playing things like hide and seek. Now they are older, it is more interest specific – so whatever toy is “popular” at the moment and like mentioned before, we are starting to play more of the traditional boardgames like Cluedo.
What is your favorite toy? And from your kids?
I think my children’s favourite toys are their cuddly toys – they are a comfort, they are a friend and they are great for pretend play.
When you were a child what did you play and with what toys? What was your favorite one?
I have to say, I think my favoruite toys were also cuddly toys! I had TONS of them!
What kind of crafts/DIY projects do you like to do with your children?
We like to make anything and everything – but particularl enjoy “seasonal crafting” – around key holidays such as Christmas and Easter. They are times when I used to craft as a child and for me, part of the celebrations that go with Christmas and Easter is to do some lovely crafts too! We also love crafting with nature items – a great way to get out and about, find things and then get creative once home.
Your kids prefer playing or watching tv? What they see in television influences how they play?
My children don’t get a choice. We only have movie night once a week… so they HAVE to play. If they did have a choice, I do think the TV would win… but I am not sure. Because they don’t have it, it has the novelty factor. I am sure TV does influence how kids play – I hear other children mimic TV ads and programs.
What are your kids favorite books? And yours (from their collection)?
Again, our favourite books change with time and any given week, we have a different “favourite book”. Having said that my son is really enjoying our Roald Dahl collection, which we all enjoy reading together.
Please ask your children “If you could choose to be a storybook character what would you be? Why?”
“A superhero, because then I could do anything”
Do you know how does your kids play at school?
My son plays a lot of football at breaktime, as well as basket ball and catch. My daughter plays on the climbing frames, catch and “hand clapping game”. She also plays some pretend games.
Your kids prefer playing indoors or outdoors?
They LOVE playing outdoors.
Does your kids like to create their own activities / games / characters?
They have phases – when in the right mood, they do love to create their own games!
Sounds and music are important in your children playing?
Yes, they are always making up sounds when playing.
Another lovely family that I had the pleasure to share about here – thank’s so much Maggy!
Maggy is the face behind the creative kids crafts blog Red Ted Art – head over there for some fun activities.
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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.