Free Play Rules

[nannyde]

Okay Nan. I see your reasons for your "rules" That doesn't mean I agree with them, but they are yours, they work for you, I am not going to debate them. I just wouldn't call your play time "free play" if you have that many rules, which was my point in the first place.

One question though....the picture of the "blocks"....I (as well as the environmental rating scales, which I know you don't follow) would not consider those blocks. (I know the box says blocks) Those are manipulatives, as are lincoln logs. I am just curious, do you have wood unit blocks at all? Those are the type of blocks I refer to when I say "build high" (and I do NOT mean this to be argumentative, I really am curious)

I have the mega blocks as well, and my toddlers can build like the pic you posted because it is actually easy to make them stand up....blocks have to be balanced and take a lot of work to create sturdy structures.

yes we have a kick collection of wooden blocks. If I get a chance I will photograph them and put them in the toy collection pics. We also have foam and cardboard mellissa and doug blocks.

[nannyde]

crystal i have to agree with you 100% those rules are ridiculous. These are little children who don't read, why on earth would you post rules up when they can't read. Why would you prohibit their thinking ability by not allowing them to "roar" its called "free play" for a reason. This is called "helicopter parenting" you stand over the children and watch what they do, you make sure they follow all the rules, thats crazy. If you have so many rules in your house, then maybe thats too many children for you to handle, because even the schools don't have those kind of crazy rules.

Who said anything about posting rules? My kids can't read until their fifth year. By that time they already know all the rules. That's silly to me.

My sons school handbook is about fifty pages.

[nannyde]

Had a chance to snap a few of the wooden blocks we have out now:

http://www.nanshouse.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=152945764

http://www.nanshouse.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=152945765

http://www.nanshouse.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=152945764

[sharlan]

I'm pretty easy going with the toys.

My main rules are no throwing of anything besides balls. Balls get played with in the playroom or outside, not in the familyroom.

I guess most of you wouldn't allow Razor scooters or bicycles in the house, either.

I also have craft supplies set out in 3 different rooms. All the kids are free to use them. The only rule is they have to be kept on that specific table.

[My3cents]

I like both of you and your ideas-

I find myself in the middle looking for the best balance for me and the group that I have at the time.

Crystal- I don't like being told what to do by a all those abbreviations. Rules that are made up in a meeting. Looks good, sounds good but practicality of it.......na

Nan- I used to have a "nana" that had the coolest set of block like your castle blocks. It was such a treat to get to play with those blocks. I get where your coming from. I get you and your advice and wisdom and experience.

My style is more of what works in the moment for the group that I have. I am creative, colorful and love spoiling my kids. If you could call it spoiling.

You both bring great things to this forum.....sad to see you got sent to the thinking spot. Hope you both come back roaring and wide foundationed because you both add such a sparkle here. Happy Easter to both of you and to all-