Let Grow – promoting children’s independence and right to play
Not long ago, childhood looked different. Kids walked to school. They played until the streetlights came on. They argued, negotiated, failed, and figured things out – mostly without adults hovering nearby. Then something changed. Fear crept in. News headlines got louder. Laws got stricter. Parenting slowly turned into supervision-as-a-full-time-job. Childhood became scheduled, padded, and watched […]
Reclaiming the Street for Play — the Story of Playing Out
In many modern towns and cities, urban design works in subtle ways that limit children’s free-play. Houses are often built with private backyards that are fenced in or small, meaning each child is isolated in their own garden. Meanwhile the street — once a natural playground — has become dominated by fast traffic. For many […]
Taking Kids’ Smartphones Away Is Not Enough
There’s growing momentum around the idea that we’re giving kids smartphones—and access to the internet and social media—far too early. Countries like Denmark are beginning to act on this, with proposals to delay smartphone use until children are older. The concerns are serious and well-founded: rising rates of anxiety, depression, attention issues, and loneliness in […]
Prescription for Play
Imagine leaving your child’s doctor’s appointment with a prescription—not for medicine, but for playtime! That’s exactly what’s happening with the Prescription for Play program from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Pediatricians are encouraging parents to make play a bigger part of their children’s daily routine, and the best part? It’s all about simple, creative […]
Play friendly architecture
Have you ever noticed how the spaces around us quietly shape how we live, behave, and even play? The built environment – our houses, streets, and public spaces – isn’t just a backdrop to life. It’s an active player, especially when it comes to children’s play. I was reminded of this when I lived in […]
Patagonia, a play friendly employer
Patagonia is a world famous brand recognized for its long lasting commitment to sustainability. They are the true innovators in this space with initiatives giving their products a second life through their “Worn Wear” programme or social media campaigns discouraging black friday shopping. It maybe a lesser known fact that they are also big supporters […]