rushing them along to the next thing. If a hands-on exhibit
catches their attention, give them the freedom to explore.
Put the kids in charge: Give kids time to be in charge of
their own activities, so they have a chance to de-stress,
regain their mental balance and encode memories of
the things they learned in school on their own. “If you
feel the need to provide structure and safety, identify
an opportunity that makes everyone feel comfortable,”
Murray says. “Watch your kids ride their bikes or take
them to the playground, a museum, a farm, and let them
decide how to explore it.”
Set an example: Show kids that it’s important for parents to
have unstructured time too! By reading a book, catching
up with friends or spending time outside, kids will follow
your lead. “The idea of ‘BE Time’ is a great conversation
starter for parents and grandparents,” Murray says, as “it
encourages them to rethink the importance of slowed-
down, more unplanned free time in a child’s life.”
To learn how you can commit to giving your children 30
more minutes of #BEtime every day, visit BEtime.org.
OCTOBER 2018
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |
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