{"id":1515,"date":"2018-03-26T16:25:40","date_gmt":"2018-03-26T08:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/?p=1515"},"modified":"2018-03-28T10:24:04","modified_gmt":"2018-03-28T02:24:04","slug":"free-play-healthy-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/free-play-healthy-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Free play encouraged for healthy children in Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parents in Hong Kong adore their children and want the best for them. A recent study by Unicef, however, has found that many don\u2019t fully understand the concept of \u201cfree play\u201d and the benefits it offers to kids. This week’s article by Pacific Prime Hong Kong outlines what free play truly means, and how you can feel safer as a parent letting your children engage in truly free activities. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Family<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n

What is free play?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the <\/span>Play and Playground Encyclopedia<\/span><\/a>, “free play” refers to a unstructured, voluntary, self-led activity that allows children to explore and develop their imagination, experience environments, and engage their own enthusiasm for discovery. It can be as simple as a trip to the playground where they can climb trees, use playgrounds, or build things from blocks or clay – all without the direction and guidance of an adult.<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea is that children need freedom to test their own knowledge and boundaries in order to gain confidence in themselves and the world around them. School and structured learning is important but so is the ability for children to take ownership for their own education. For younger children, creating their own imaginary adventure can support communication and creativity skills as they negotiate with other children the rules and direction of their journey. Older students can find similar benefits by playing in a band or music group, taking part in drama activities, or in simply exploring Hong Kong\u2019s wilderness with friends. <\/span><\/p>\n

The key here is that young people need the space to set the rules and direction of their learning themselves in order for the activity to count as free play. Violin lessons are structured; there\u2019s a tutor that guides and facilitates the learning, often determining things right down to which piece of music is played. Even football or other team sports have a coach that determines the drills and strategy of the team the children are part of. Supporting your children to choose an unguided activity that interests them can really help support the many structured learning activities Hong Kong students engage with daily. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why is there need for better understanding of free play in Hong Kong?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As mentioned, a <\/span>Unicef study<\/span><\/a> of 1,029 people found that 98% of parents believed that free play was integral to early childhood development. A further 99% claimed their children had free time, however researchers found the following interesting results: <\/span><\/p>\n