Last week, we had the chance to visit Zielona Hustawka Preschool and host a conversation with local parents about something simple but important: play. More specifically, Free Play — the kind of open-ended, unstructured play many of us remember from our own childhoods.
We started the session by asking everyone to think back:
“What’s one of your favourite memories from when you were a child?”
The answers were warm and familiar — climbing trees, playing outside with friends, building forts, exploring the neighbourhood. Most of these memories had something in common: they were outdoors, with other kids, and without much adult involvement.
That reflection opened the door to a deeper discussion about how play shapes us — not just in the moment, but as a way of learning how to be in the world. Through play, kids learn how to deal with challenges, work with others, take small risks, and figure out their own boundaries.
So… where has all the play gone?
We talked together about why it’s harder today for kids to play freely. Many parents mentioned:
- More screen time
- Fewer safe and open spaces
- Busy family schedules
- Less connection between neighbours and communities
Some also reflected that, as adults, we often model more cautious or reserved social behaviour. One parent said,
“Maybe part of the reason our kids aren’t out playing together is because we don’t really connect with others that much anymore either.”
It was an honest and thoughtful moment. And it helped shift the conversation from just blaming technology or systems — to thinking about what small changes might be within reach.
Play and mental health
The group also shared concerns about the growing mental health challenges facing children today. Many had personal stories about long wait times for child psychologists, and rising levels of anxiety in younger kids.
We brought in some recent findings: in a large survey of child psychologists, social isolation came up as one of the top causes of mental health struggles in children. A lot of parents weren’t surprised — they could see how kids today have fewer chances to simply hang out, be silly, move their bodies, and make sense of their world with peers.
That’s where Free Play comes in again — not as a solution to everything, but as one way to give kids space to connect, release energy, and feel part of something.
Practical ideas
We didn’t just talk about the problems. We also shared ideas. One of the more popular suggestions was a “Play Exchange” — where parents take turns watching a group of familiar kids at the playground. That way, children get more chances to play together, and the adults don’t have to juggle overlapping schedules every time.
There was also interest in doing more together through the preschool. We’re now talking with Zielona Hustawka about starting a Free Play Club — just a regular slot in the week where kids can play freely in a safe environment, without too much structure.
What’s next?
The meeting went longer than planned — which is always a good sign. People had a lot to say, and it felt like there was both energy and care in the room. We’re now planning a follow-up session and looking forward to trying out some of the ideas that came up.
Thanks again to all the parents who came, shared, and listened. We’ll keep you posted on next steps. In the meantime, here are a few questions to think about:
What kind of play did you love most as a child?
What gets in the way of Free Play for your child today?
Is there something small you could try to bring more play into their day?
Let’s keep the conversation going.
