Structured play is a lifesaver

I found Burt Constable’s front page article on the importance of summer play an interesting contrast to the Chicago Tribune’s story on the same day about childhood kidnappings. There are other reasons that kids are not out tearing through the neighborhood besides kidnappings. And while unstructured play might be the ticket to creativity, in our household it’s the ticket to boredom, screaming and chaos.

Our children are 3 months, almost 2, 3 and 5, and I stay at home with them. But we are not often at home! We are in nearly every structured activity available every day all summer long. Kidnappings are not my concern, but car and pedestrian safety is a big issue. The kids are too young to roam the neighborhood, and even if they were older they risk getting hit by a vehicle. They can’t be in front without me at the end of the drive, making sure a stray ball or child doesn’t wander into the road.

So, I feel lucky to have the kids in so many wonderful activities. And, they certainly do play in them. The minicamps and classes take them outside, lead them in water play, provide messy crafts and built-in friends. You won’t find me at (most) public outings with my kids due to their ages and the sheer unlikelihood of my keeping them safe, especially at a pool. Since I can’t hire a super nanny to help out, I rely on the wonderful, affordable camps that the Schaumburg Park District has. The older kids get out and have fun, and I play with the babies. We don’t use electronic toys at home, either. The kids love the experiences in their classes, and they are having a summer about which most kids could only dream.

Bethany Snyder

Elk Grove Village