“Playful parenting is a way to enter a child’s world, on the child’s terms, in order to foster closeness, confidence, and connection. By Nikki Bush – The Bright Idea Outfit

Today, Saturday, 28 May 2009, is World Play Day – a reminder of a child’s right to play (the Right to Play and Recreation is part of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 31). Celebrate the power and possibilities of play everyday – after all play is the language of childhood and play is absolutely FREE. 

As we move through our daily lives with vision and purpose, with our action lists and tight schedules, don’t forget to be light and playful with your children.  When you are playful you unlock your child, and you relax a the same time.  When you come in from a busy time, at work or otherwise, you could try playing Dead Ants, a “silly little game” which has the power to change the mood and shift the energy for everyone.  When you shout “Dead Ants!”, everyone must lie down immediately on their backs on the floor, kicking their legs and shaking their arms in the air (continue for 30 seconds or so).  It’s a real laugh and it will put a smile on everyone’s face immediately, making it easier to bridge the gap beyond your busyness and the daily rush. 

 Sometimes silly little games are the perfect antidote to adult seriousness.  They are a playful, non-verbal way of saying:  “I’m here, I’m home and I want to be with you!”

MY NEW BOOK – EASY ANSWERS TO AWKWARD QUESTIONS

You can look forward to the arrival of  my new book sometime in June.  Easy Answers to Awkward Questions: what 8 – 13 year olds need to know about their changing bodies, sex, babies, their rights and more……… I will drop you a line as soon as I have a firm date and a list of bookstores and other retail outlets who will be stocking it. It will be published in both English and Afrikaan.