I had a chance to interview founder Crystal Hays to learn more.
Why was House of Play started?
As a mom of 3 and an experienced entrepreneur in wellness, education, and entertainment, House of Play was born out of my passion to create innovative solutions for parents and caregivers that simplify our connected lives.
Why is play a smaller part of kids' lives now than it used to be?
Kids are born knowing how to play. It’s intuitive and instinctual.
As stated by Peter Gray, psychologist and author of Free to Learn, "There has been a continuous and ultimately dramatic decline in children’s opportunities to play and explore in their own chosen way. Adult-directed sports for children began to replace ‘pickup’ games; adult-directed classes out of school began to replace hobbies; and parents’ fears led them, ever more, to forbid children from going out to play with other kids, away from home, unsupervised.”
As we grow up, the demands society has created has pushed us toward feeling a need to live to work. Also a sense that our kids need to be involved in every enrichment activity in order to succeed.
This silent, “busy disease” has lead us to over-scheduled and over-committed lives, which leaves little room for adults to have space to feel like kids again and release the stress of adulting and for kids to just be kids. As stated by Lissa Rankin, M.D., "It seems to me that too many of us wear busyness as a badge of honor. I’m busy, therefore I’m important and valuable, therefore I’m worthy. And if I’m not busy, forget it. I don’t matter."
What are the benefits of play - for kids and parents?
Play is a way of life and is essential to our health says Dr. Bowen White, physician and founding member of the National Institute for Play. It creates the opposite effect of stress. Play allows kids of all ages (0-100+) to process emotion, to think creatively and helps us connect with others. It allows us to be open and feel, maybe this person is safe to be around and have fun with.
How can parents make sure their family has time for play?
A. Do a quick scan of your families weekly/monthly rhythms (routines).
B. Identify when/where you are feeling a sense of overwhelming with all of your families obligations.
C. De-clutter the schedule by scaling back on 1-2 non-essential commitments and carve out that time for some good old in home, family connection time. If needed, Calendar and remind yourself until it’s a natural part of your rhythm.
As we grow up, the demands society has created has pushed us toward feeling a need to live to work. Also a sense that our kids need to be involved in every enrichment activity in order to succeed.
This silent, “busy disease” has lead us to over-scheduled and over-committed lives, which leaves little room for adults to have space to feel like kids again and release the stress of adulting and for kids to just be kids. As stated by Lissa Rankin, M.D., "It seems to me that too many of us wear busyness as a badge of honor. I’m busy, therefore I’m important and valuable, therefore I’m worthy. And if I’m not busy, forget it. I don’t matter."
What are the benefits of play - for kids and parents?
Play is a way of life and is essential to our health says Dr. Bowen White, physician and founding member of the National Institute for Play. It creates the opposite effect of stress. Play allows kids of all ages (0-100+) to process emotion, to think creatively and helps us connect with others. It allows us to be open and feel, maybe this person is safe to be around and have fun with.
How can parents make sure their family has time for play?
A. Do a quick scan of your families weekly/monthly rhythms (routines).
B. Identify when/where you are feeling a sense of overwhelming with all of your families obligations.
C. De-clutter the schedule by scaling back on 1-2 non-essential commitments and carve out that time for some good old in home, family connection time. If needed, Calendar and remind yourself until it’s a natural part of your rhythm.
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