Let's Stop Trying To Make Childhood Magical...

[MotherNature]

It already is. I love me some pinterest, but I tend to agree with this article. I know some of you longtime providers can apply the shift in care style to how childcare has changed as well. So many parents now want their kids constantly busy and engaged, crafts, and schooling..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bunmi-laditan/im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical_b_5062838.html?utm_hp_ref=parents&ir=Parents

[Heidi]

It has most definately seeped into our daycare lives, as well. Children being entertained or stimulated is the expectation.

We finally are getting outside again, and I'll tell you...my toddlers stand around half the time out there going :confused::confused::confused:!

[Kabob]

The magical part of my childhood was the times my parents actually spent time with me doing things like playing a card game or teaching me how to drive the tractor. All I ever wanted was time. Even now I appreciate time together more than anything. I don't remember any of the crafts and stuff...we did plenty too because my mom ran a daycare..

[spud912]

I love this article!

And yes, kabob, I remember family game nights more than anything! I don't remember any arts and crafts......

[llpa]

Great article! I am appalled that so many dck who come in to care have no idea how to create their own fun! They are constantly entertained from babyhood with battery powered toys etc. They often will pick yp a toy in dc and say" what does it do?" My response is " Use your imagination! It will [do] whatever YOU want it to!" Lol they have no clue what I mean!!

[countrymom]

I grew up where my parents did nothing.

now my kids, well we spend alot of time together (maybe because there's so many of us) but thats what my kids remember. I love doing arts and crafts, so my kids have shared scrapbooking with me, my dd crochets with me, my kids love to sew with my machine. Those are the memories they will have because I did it with them.

I will say that kids now a days have no imagination, my little people are getting better but compare them to my own kids, no way. To this day my own kids (who are older) still will play crazy imaginary games, and I join them too esp. in the pool. But thats the fun we create.

so arts and crafts can be a good thing if done together and the kids are enjoying but when you need to force them, forget it.

[CraftyMom]

I agree! In daycare I keep toys minimal and most aren't battery operated. Kids need to use their imagination! I have had so many dck's who don't know how to just play! If they are not given direction or entertained they are bored! Much of our day is unstructured play. The kids I have now are great, they can play without being told how

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Good article!

[MyAngels]

Excellent article! Thanks for sharing it!