As parents and foster carers, we all want the best for the children in our care. We try to provide stimulating activities, teach them new skills, and give them opportunities to socialise. However, one simple yet powerful way to support their development is often overlooked – unstructured play.
What is Unstructured Play?
Unstructured play simply means play that is freely chosen by the child, without adult direction or rules. It stands in contrast to adult-led activities with defined objectives. Unstructured play is child-led, voluntary, and flexible. There are no right or wrong ways to do it. Examples include make-believe games, building blocks, dress-up, or exploring the garden. The child is in control.
Benefits of Unstructured Play
Here are some of the key benefits of ensuring regular unstructured playtime:
Promotes Creativity and Problem-Solving
Without prescribed rules, children are free to experiment, use their imagination, and practice flexible thinking. Unstructured play provides the perfect platform for innovation, ingenuity and finding unconventional solutions.
Develops Self-Confidence
When children play freely, they learn to trust their instincts, take healthy risks and make their own decisions. This builds self-confidence and resilience – essential traits for later life.
Teaches Social Skills
During unstructured play, children negotiate roles, cooperate to build stories, and learn to compromise. These natural interactions with peers help build empathy and emotional intelligence.
Provides Emotional Release
Play provides an outlet for stress. Laughter and movement promote happiness and boost mood through the release of endorphins. This is particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma.
Encourages Physical Activity
Energetic play gets kids moving, improving strength, balance, coordination and fitness. Active play fights obesity and promotes healthy growth.
Why Unstructured Play is Especially Important for Foster Children
Children who are being looked after by foster carers may have endured stressful situations such as neglect or abuse. They may struggle to trust adults or form relationships with peers. Unstructured play can provide these children with some of the key things they need:
- A sense of control over their lives after feeling powerless
- The chance to process traumatic memories through repetitive play themes
- An outlet for strong emotions like fear and anger
- The freedom to explore their identity apart from their past experiences
- Opportunities to form attachments through light-hearted social play
Regular unstructured play with a trusted carer from an agency like Clifford House Fostering helps foster children to restore normal developmental processes, heal emotional wounds, and build self-esteem.
Making Time for Unstructured Play
With the busy lives we lead, it can be challenging to step back and allow regular child-led play. However, the benefits make it worthwhile to prioritise this into daily routines. Here are some tips:
- Set aside time each day when you minimise your own agenda and let your child take the lead. Even 15-30 minutes makes a difference.
- Provide open-ended toys and safe spaces. Cardboard boxes, dress-ups, building blocks and art supplies are great starting points. Outdoor play is beneficial too.
- Loose supervision gives them space to play freely while ensuring safety. Be present without overly directing.
- Join in sensitively and only when invited. Allow the child to control the play.
- Relax about mess and noise! A cluttered room or boisterous play is a small price to pay.
The simple act of stepping back while children play is a loving gift. Their development will reap the benefits. By providing opportunities for regular unstructured play, you grant your child the freedom to flourish.
