Darrick Robles Sarah Maria Röckel studied early childhood education, is responsible for product development at Kindsgut and is herself the mother of a small daughter. We talked to Sarah about how city and country kids play, why a clothes chest can work wonders and how parents can keep a cool head in their second year of home office/homeschooling.
What was your favorite toy as a child?
According to my mother, Lego Duplo and my shop were my favorite toys. Later, when I was in elementary school, I almost only played outside. In wind and weather, I liked to climb trees, made the surrounding playgrounds unsafe and beautified the whole neighborhood with chalk paintings.
Do children play differently today than they used to?
Even if there has of course been great digital progress in the last 20 years, which is also reflected in toys and thus does not stop at the children’s room: I still think that, on the whole, games are still played in a very similar way to how they used to be.
Of course, it also depends on what kind of environment a child grows up in. City or country, with siblings or without, how much time can parents take to play together, how often and for how long are children in daycare, etc. What used to be the television for us is now also a tablet, mobile phone & digital toys. But these activities are still complemented by classic games and toys. Playgrounds are just as crowded today as they were a few years ago. Building blocks, crayons, Lego, dolls & Co. are also classics that will probably not go out of fashion in the future.
In many ways, my daughter plays in a very similar way to how I used to play, only the basic conditions are different: I grew up with a large field and forest right next to the front door. My daughter is growing up in the middle of the big city.
Why do children play at all – and why is playing so important?
Play fulfills a number of functions for children. But there are different opinions here. Firstly, that children get rid of “excess” energy through play, then that play is also a form of recreation. Above all, children learn certain skills through play. These are then gradually developed, practiced and trained.
In the first few months, this includes the development of sensorimotor skills such as grasping. Becoming aware of one’s own existence and escaping to another world or roles is also possible in the game. But learning social and emotional skills is also a very important point, which is experienced and learned in a playful way.
Are there forms of play that particularly promote a child’s development?
Role-playing games offer a great opportunity for children to test their own limits together with other children or adults, take on different perspectives and let their imagination run wild. A chest full of costumes and accessories works wonders on some rainy days. And we don’t even have to dig deep into our pockets and buy elaborate costumes for that. Colorful towels, discarded hats and the like are enjoying new owners here.
Tablets for children: yes or no?
Yes – but: Quality and quantity must be controlled by us adults. We need to define the purposes for which our children use such devices and ensure that they only consume content that is appropriate for their age. Parents should also always keep an eye on the time children spend with these devices. I would also recommend that children up to the age of 5 only ever use the tablet together and then talk about what they have seen.
What advice would you give to parents whose children spend too much time on screen?
The general question here is – what does too much mean? And do the parents themselves think it’s too much or do the outsiders see it that way? Especially in times of Corona, homeschooling plus home office and all the extra challenges that many families are currently facing, I think you can turn a blind eye and allow a few extra minutes of screen time in exceptional cases – for example when parents are on an important call need to or just want to take a deep breath.
In general, the rule of thumb is that 30 minutes of screen time is a good time frame for children aged 3-5 years and older. From 6 years, a daily time of no more than 1 hour is recommended.
Up to a certain age, it is quite possible for us as parents and caregivers to find clear rules with our children regarding media consumption. It is important, however, that we adults make sure that these rules are actually observed – and in the best case we also set a good example and don’t hang around in front of mobile phones, TV and Co. all the time.
Corona has been our constant companion for over 1 year. What can parents do to cheer up their children during this difficult time?
I advise talking openly and honestly with the children about the special situation. There are such beautiful “explanatory videos” online that even the little ones can use to understand why it is so important that we all take good care of ourselves and our fellow human beings. And such times also require special measures. For example, we eat a lot of ice cream in the afternoon and bathe a lot 😉
I also think it’s a very nice idea to work with the children to think about what they want to do when it’s finally possible again. Families can paint or write down all the ideas and wishes they have together – and look forward to it together!
How can home office/homeschooling plagued parents better deal with stress?
I know it’s difficult – but maybe you should reconsider your own requirements from time to time and think about which things might also be done at a later point in time. And accept that you can’t do everything.
It’s perfectly okay if our children sit in front of the television for 20 minutes longer than we would like, if the laundry is piling up or the dishes aren’t done until two days later. We should all be less strict and perfectionist with ourselves, our children and other people around us right now!
Is there anything you have learned from everyday life in the pandemic that you would like to pass on?
Oh yes: Admit weaknesses and ask for help. Many of us are very unsettled by current world events. And we lose sight of the people around us. Maybe there are friends out there who need our help – or maybe people who can help us with some things. It’s always worth finding out! Giving and accepting help is essential in times of Corona. Only together can we get through this time!
Thank you for the interview, dear Sarah!
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