Let me entertain you!
Published
Do you feel a constant pressure to keep your kids entertained? New research from Playmobil reveals that nearly half (49 per cent) of parents feel they are not doing enough if their child complains of being bored – and the toy company has launched a free resource for parents and kids which aims to fill the gap.
The research pinpoints a growing imagination gap: children have time to play but often struggle to know how to begin. Over two thirds of children (68 per cent) can only sustain creative play for up to 30 minutes before switching off. And nearly one in four parents say busy schedules, tiredness, or simply not having any ideas make it harder to spark play at home.
Four in 10 children wish their parents would play with them more, while parents admit they often struggle to know how to get imaginative play started. And nearly nine in 10 parents say at least one toy or play activity their child once loved has been partly replaced by screens.
Playmobil has launched free Art of Storytelling prompt cards, developed with children’s TV presenter, author and parent Maddie Moate, along with Dr Amanda Gummer, research psychologist specialising in child development and founder of The Good Play Guide. Featuring open-ended characters, story starters and challenges, the cards are designed to help children begin their own games and adventures independently with any favourite toy.
Dr Gummer believes the findings of their research show that children aren't becoming less creative – they simply need more opportunities to practise their imagination. Parents recognise the challenge too: more than one in five (21 per cent) say they run out of ideas for imaginative play, while 28 per cent say the pressures of everyday life leave little time to join in.
Playmobil's free Art of Storytelling prompt cards are available to download.
