Nurturing Play
By Vicki Durr, Fri Dec 9th

It’s a constant endeavor to try to keep kids busy and interestedin daily activities. Nurturing play such as jigsaw puzzles,scavenger-treasure hunt games, camping, healthy cooking,educational toys, or kids crafts are a great way to spur theirimagination, keep them busy and interested in a specific taskand help them learn great skills and family values. Jigsawpuzzles have for years been enchanting both children and adultsalike and providing hours of fun. Jigsaw puzzles originated inthe 1760’s by European mapmakers and is a key element inbuilding strong family relationships as well as: ·Developingconcentration & memory skills ·Fostering fine motor skills·Increasing your child's self-esteem ·Encouraging matching &sorting skills ·Teaching team-work ·Re-enforcing your child'seducation ·Stimulating discussion & language developmentScavenger-treasure hunt games have become an integral part ofour pastimes and continue to be an exciting family tradition.The scavenger minded people are energetic when searching forunique items that will earn the greatest point potential fortheir team before the clock runs out. Whereas the treasureminded people appreciate the challenge of solving mysteries bydecoding clues that lead them to a precious, valuable treasure.We use scavenger-treasure hunt games for entertainment atparties and other family get-togethers. Family trips areexcellent opportunities to spend together as a family. You learnhow to work together as you forget all the cares of youreveryday life and at the same time discover Mother Nature’sbeauties. You won't have all the luxuries of home, but campingprovides unique lifelong experiences that you don't find athome,

such as... ·No showers except for an occasional bath inthe nearby stream ·Hikes to discover wild animals, flowers andtall meadow grass ·Gathering firewood for the campfire to roasthotdogs or marshmallows, bake campfire pies or Smores·Flashlight tag played in the dark, stories told or songs sungaround the campfire ·Cooking in or on the fire, a brown papersack, or on a propane stove The kitchen is a great place tocommunicate and re-connect with your child as you prepare mealsand snacks. Reading recipes and measuring ingredients teachesmath concepts in a hand on fun environment. This is a perfectopportunity to find out what's going on in your child’s lifewhile spending quality time together.

We want to give our children the best to help them learn andgrow. Educational toys and kids crafts are a great way toaccomplish this goal while both you and your children have fun.Educational toys and crafts come in many different forms andwill vary according to your child’s needs, age, and preferences.Sprinkling a combination of these nurturing play activitiesthroughout your child’s daily, weekly, monthly, and yearlyschedule are proven and time-tested to produce happy, healthy,confident children in a securely rooted family. What better wayto spend a childhood than with parents who care, support, andlove unconditionally…all through the power of play!!!

About the author:I come from a family of 8 siblings, have been married for 26years, raised two girls, and have been actively involved in theraising of numerous children.