Holyrood's help with the kids for Highland parents and carers
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Parents and carers in the Highlands are being encouraged to use Parent Club as a source of support and inspiration to help keep children entertained over the summer period.
The Scottish Government’s Here for You Summer Support campaign is encouraging parents and carers to view play time with their kids as an effective way to support their children to come to terms with the challenging situation presented by the coronavirus and reassure parents across the Highlands that any form of play should be encouraged as it can be beneficial to their child’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Restrictions during the pandemic have limited the opportunity for children to meet up with their friends or play outdoors.
The Parent Club online resource has developed a range of simple ideas for parents to play with children of all ages, which can help them to express themselves and have fun. Rainy day ideas, outdoor play and quiet play are just some of the ideas, advice and information being shared with parents and carers who are concerned about additional pressure that the summer period presents:
https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus/activities-and-games?age=0
Minister for children and young people Maree Todd commented: “As lockdown restrictions ease, there will be more opportunities for children to get outside and play safely with other children, which should improve wellbeing for children of all ages.
"The last few months have been an extremely challenging time for children and families and it’s important for parents to acknowledge the pressure they’re under and make time for themselves for their own mental wellbeing. They may have exhausted their energy and ideas for spending time with their children and that’s where Parent Club can help by sharing advice, tips and suggestions.”
Play Scotland have collaborated with Parent Club to create a series of short videos explaining how play can tackle a number of common challenges.
Marguerite Hunter Blair at Play Scotland said: “Some parents have been concerned with home learning over the past few months and have been worried about their children’s development. We really want to highlight to parents the benefits that playtime and especially play with parents, can have on children of all ages.
"Not only can it help with physical health, it can provide an outlet for their feelings. Play can also be a great way of children being able to continue their learning, in fact, it’s the brain’s favourite way of learning.
“Play doesn’t have to be lengthy or full on for parents either. The Parent Club online resource has some great simple tips that will help keep everyone calm and make sure you can make the most of the summer holidays together.”
Marguerite Hunter Blair address parents’ concerns about the time they have to spend with their children in the following film: https://vimeo.com/436426231/f448848943.
This approach has also been endorsed by Ollie Bray, global director of Connecting Play & Education.
The LEGO Foundation's man, a former head teacher Kingussie High School, commented: “Play is one of the most important aspects of children’s upbringing. From the very early years throughout adolescence and into adulthood, play nurtures and develops a number of transferable skills, including creativity and problem solving.
"What’s more, learning through play, particularly shared play supports wellbeing and is linked to reducing stress in both adults and children. At a time when fear and anxiety continue to be high, play provides an excellent opportunity for family connection.”
Parent Club is a digital information resource, support hub and online community offering practical advice and support for parents and carers in across Scotland.
From mental health advice, utilising play to dealing with bereavement, tips for play and learning at home, keeping active and eating well to talking to your kids about coronavirus, advice comes from the trusted voices of other parents and is backed by experts and the Scottish Government.
To find out more and help make the day a little easier, visit parentclub.scot/coronavirus, and follow @ParentClubScotland on Facebook and @parentclubscot on Twitter.
