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Simple ways to reclaim your child's downtime
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It's easy to get caught up in the whirr of busy weeks and hectic weekends, however, according to a framework called 'PDF', it might be time to restore a little balance in your child's action-packed existence.
PDF stands for 'playtime, downtime, family time' (yes, yes it also stands for 'portable document format'), and this framework was created by Denise Pope and her colleagues at Challenge Success.
The crux of PDF is that children of all ages need the three 'categories of wellbeing' every day if they are to thrive. Ms Pope says that playtime, downtime and family time are closely connected with building the 'crucial life skills that kids need in order to become happy and healthy adults'.
And although all ages need all three facets, she emphasises that young children require plenty of free-form play. Ms Pope emphasises the importance of 'unstructured time when they can explore who they are, what kind of person they want to be, what it means to be a good friend, how to solve problems or navigate conflicts.' And she adds that, 'Parents may not realise that playtime is really where so many of the important life skills are built.'
For older children, Ms Pope says downtime is a chance to reflect and dream: while teenagers benefit greatly from sleep - the ultimate form of recuperation.
And, of course, all children need regular bonding time with their family (and so do mums and dads!)
Helpful ways to restore the PDF balance
So what's the best way to embrace fun activities, recharge kids’ batteries and connect with family within the PDF framework?
Well, these pointers from Usable Knowledge will set you on the path to restoring balance in your child's life. Whether it's the weekend or the school holidays, these tips for reclaiming your child’s downtime will reap rewards all year round and through their lives.
Playtime
- There are so many activities kids can explore, including seeing their friends, riding bikes at the playground, exploring in the park, making an indoor cubby and playing imaginary games. Let the children choose their activities.
- If they join a team, keep the focus on fun. Don’t worry if you have to miss a game or a practice.
- Don't over-schedule the downtime kids have, whether it's on the weekend or after school.
Downtime
- Leave time for sitting outside, hanging around on the couch, reading, listening to music, watching TV and napping. Let kids chill out.
- Let teens sleep in.
- Let kids be bored. Let them unwind.
- Read together. Talk about the books or articles you're reading and ask them what they want to read.
- Fight the urge to tell kids to 'do something' if they're just sitting around (as long as the lounging isn't too much).
Family time
- Make it a priority.
- Create simple family rituals, like game night or taco night.
- Have dinner together.
- Take a nightly walk.
- Go to the library once a week and just hang out, picking books off the shelf to try.
- Do inexpensive things together, like exploring a nearby neighbourhood or the local park. Go to the pool or beach together.
- Know that family time doesn’t have to require hours and hours; even 20 or 25 minutes together is protective, according to Ms Pope.
And whether your child is making mud pies in the garden or sharing a meat pie at the dinner table, there are so many positives to take away from the PDF framework. Enjoy!
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