Learning through play
Access to play equipment is vital to children's development and supports muscle development, cognitive function and a range of other benefits including social and emotional wellbeing and not to mention a parents own mental health. Throughout this lockdown I have been extremely fearful that my children were missing out on vital developmental milestones, for little miss we used soccer as a means to engage and build social skills. But it wasn't too long after starting that community sports were shut down due to the outbreak.
Then as things got really challenging for a few months we were not allowed outside for more than an hour or for four main reasons which included seeking help, getting medical attention, authorised work and getting supplies. Playgrounds were shut and things went south real fast for the kids.
Eventually play equipment reopened and we were only allowed to travel within a 5km bubble which didn't leave much room to go anywhere but we tried. Once things opened a bit more and we were allowed to travel 10kms we were able to visit a national park which was in reach and go exploring which little miss really enjoyed.
After that outing little bloke has become alot more active and has started standing, although he is still bum shuffling but he is alot more excited and keen on exploring the world around him.
Now things are open to a 15km bubble and we're able to expand our journies alot more like visiting newer, more modern play grounds and there are alot more people out and about so little miss is able to reengage and develop her social skills more. As for little bloke he is coming out of his shell and had an absolute ball of a time at the local park on the weekend.
So sit back and enjoy this mash up of lil miss, lil bloke and mumma as we run around the park having fun! finally!
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