Did you know Wednesday 3rd of August 2011 is the National Day for Play? The idea behind Play Day is, that according to recent findings, we don’t take our children to play outside as much as we used to when we were younger.
Savlon undertook some research about outdoor play which revealed some shocking results:
- 42% of children have never made a daisy chain
- 32% have never climbed a tree
- a quarter of children have never rolled down a hill
- a third of children have never played hopscotch
- 1 in 10 children have never ridden a bike
These really are such sad statistics and a sign of our times now. Times have changed so much from when we were small but that is no reason not to get out there and enjoy these simple childhood adventures. I think these figures should be a reminder to everyone to get outdoors, even just for a little while.
You can look here to see what is going on in your local area or for more information on how to host your own event visit Play Day. The venue or size of the event doesn’t matter, it’s simply about encouraging children to experience and enjoy outdoor play. Events are already being planned up and down the country, from Jubilee style street parties to backyard play dates.
I am teaming up with Not Yet a Yummy Mummy to host a Play Day in Richmond Park. So if you live local (or not so local like me) and would like to join us then feel to tweet us @mummyandbeastie and @NotYetaYummyMum or you can email us at mummyandbeastie@live.co.uk and notyetayummymummy@gmail.com.
We would love to see you and your little ones, the more the merrier!
Thankfully we are in an area where the kids can go out and play safely, Sam has recently started going down to the park with his friends where there is an outdoor gym, playground equipment and all weather pitch…….he tried climbing a tree once, got stuck and then fell onto a branch with a leg either side….ouch! A couple of weeks ago he fell into some thorns….where's the savlon when you need it!!
I didn't know you were doing this- I wannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnt to come! x
Wow it sounds great what you have near to you! very lucky indeed. Ouch poor Sam and the hazards of being a boy!! xx
Come on Mr E…say yes!! xx
I have been meaning to write a post about it for ages….but you know how it is.I will do it over the summer……make you really jealous!! x
I wish I lived near you, I want to come to your play day! 🙁 x
Oh boo, me too! 🙁 xx