Play isn’t another thing to do. It’s another way to do things

Parents and children alike tell us that they feel happier when they get more time to play

And the evidence is piling up that play is the best way for children to learn – and thrive. But when you’re busy juggling work and home time, play can feel like another thing on the to-do list.

That’s why we asked a busy parent – our Chief Impact Officer Sarah Bouchie – to talk about how she’s changed the game. And why she’s calling on other parents to make a Play Pledge, and make one moment a week more playful.

Sarah’s story: getting more play in every day

Take walking to school. It’s probably become a bit of a hurried routine that you hardly even think about. But what if you skipped all the way? Played a game of counting yellow cars? Or darted behind trees on the way there to avoid squirrel pirates? While your children are polishing up their physical and creative skills (and maybe a bit of basic maths, too), they simply experience it as having more fun – and you will too.

The best part is, there’s something in it for everyone

When children play it unlocks all their natural curiosity – setting them up to be lifelong learners. By making the everyday more playful, you’re giving them space to solve problems, think flexibly, and stretch their creative muscles. All absolutely essential skills for the adults they’ll all too soon become (eek!).

For you, there’s loads of family bonding – so you might find you’re a whole lot less stressed (and maybe learning a thing or two). And if you can make a game out of sweeping up dust bunnies or fitting all the groceries neatly in the cupboard, you’ll also have some cheerful little home helpers - which can only be a good thing!

The fact is, we all need play more than ever

For the past few decades time to play has been steadily squeezed – and even though people spent more time at home during the pandemic, it was under far from ideal circumstances.

In fact, Home-Start ran a survey that showed 52% of parents thought their little ones didn’t cope well, and 92% had worries about children’s behaviour or development. Making a Play Pledge is one way to start tackling those worries head on – using the power of play to help children build back up their social and emotional toolkit.