I am very honoured to have been asked to partner with Wikki Stix today to help spread the word about the Unplugged Play Day!
I share a lot of kids activities in this space. Some might say, slightly too many. I can’t help it though! I think of a fun activity that I know little ones will love and I have this incredible need to share it with you. I know you love playing with your little ones and I am so happy to help you find new and exciting ways to play.
That’s why I was so surprised when I read that many Kindergarteners are starting school with very weak fine motor skills. Much weaker than in years previously. How could this be? The internet is chalk FULL of activities and ways to keep those little hands growing strong. Why now would hand strength and dexterity be decreasing in children?
Benjamin using some of his Wikki Stix to create a bowling ball, round as round can be (all the while strengthening those little fingers!)
The one reason I kept finding time and time again is the amount of time children are watching screens.
Now we are not a screen-free family. My children watch TV every day in fact. BUT I am very mindful of how much they watch as it seems to have a way of taking over. My children are not into tablets or videogames for the most part, but if they were I could see how this could easily begin to take over our days.
Now, while there might not be anything wrong with screens in moderation (though that is another can of worms to open friends, whew! A little research in that area and my head is swimming!), there seems to be a growing cause for concern as children are CHOOSING screens over play!
Kem Clark, who is the owner of one of my favourite things – Wikki Stix said it best, “[Children] have lost the art of playing. They watch rather than DO!”
SO I thought it time to join with Wikki Stix and YOU, my fellow Mamas who know the importance of PLAY, to get the word out about a national Unplugged Play Day on September 28th!
Wikki Stix, in my house, make the absolute best TV alternative. I often turn to a screen for my children when I am needing a little time to myself or needing my kids to have some time to calm down. This is why Wikki Stix are a great alternative. They are mess-free, independent, oh so engaging, and quiet.
Even better (maybe — though the quiet is really nice) is that Wikki Stix naturally strengthen fine motor skills! You don’t need to plan anything special or do anything crazy. Simply open a pack of Wikki Stix and the very act of using them will strengthen a child’s hand muscles, dexterity, and fine motor skills.
If you are looking for exactly how this works, or want to find some creative and unique ways to use WIkki Stix I have a post all about that right here: 5 Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills with Wikki Stix.
On September 28th we will be choosing to shut off all electronics and PLAY THEY DAY AWAY! I hope you will join us and help to ensure we lead by example. I know you love playing with your little ones already. I know your little ones already benefit from the power of play. So let’s encourage those around us as well. Let’s invite some friends to the park, or to go for a nature walk, or to do a craft with us.
You and I know the incredible power of play – let’s help bring play back for all children.
Thank you so much for reading friends,
xo
Sarah
P.S. Learn more about National Unplugged Play Day here. So mark your calendars friends, September 28th will be awesome!
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