Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd encourages parents and carers to check out Parent Club online resource for activity ideas and support for keeping children entertained during summer months
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PARENTS and carers in the Highlands are being encouraged to use an online Parent Club as a source of inspiration and support when looking to keep kids entertained this summer.
The Parent Club shares tips, encouragement and support for busy parents on the ways play can help the whole family over the summer.
The Scottish Government’s Here for You Summer Support campaign is encouraging parents and carers to view play time with their kids as an effective way to support their children to come to terms with the challenging situation presented by the coronavirus.
It is also seeking to reassure parents across the Highlands that any form of play should be encouraged as it can be beneficial to their child’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Restrictions during the pandemic have limited the opportunity for children to meet up with their friends or play outdoors.
And the Parent Club's online presence has developed a range of simple ideas for parents to play with children of all ages.
Rainy day ideas, outdoor play and quiet play are just some of the ideas, advice and information being shared with parents and carers.
Maree Todd, the Minister for Children and Young People – as well as being a Highlands and Islands MSP – said Parent Club could be a big source of help, "advice, tips and suggestions".
She said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, there will be more opportunities for children to get outside and play safely with other children, which should improve wellbeing for children of all ages.
"The last few months have been an extremely challenging time for children and families and it’s important for parents to acknowledge the pressure they’re under and make time for themselves for their own mental wellbeing.
"They may have exhausted their energy and ideas for spending time with their children and that’s where Parent Club can help by sharing advice, tips and suggestions.”
Play Scotland have collaborated with Parent Club to create a series of short videos explaining how play can tackle a number of common challenges.
Marguerite Hunter Blair at Play Scotland commented: “Some parents have been concerned with home learning over the past few months and have been worried about their children’s development.
"We really want to highlight to parents the benefits that playtime and especially play with parents, can have on children of all ages. Not only can it help with physical health, it can provide an outlet for their feelings.
"Play can also be a great way of children being able to continue their learning, in fact, it’s the brain’s favourite way of learning.
“Play doesn’t have to be lengthy or full on for parents either. The Parent Club online resource has some great simple tips that will help keep everyone calm and make sure you can make the most of the summer holidays together.”
For more information about Parent Club, visit its website.
You can also follow @ParentClubScotland on Facebook and @parentclubscot on Twitter.
