RESIST Q&A // Risky play + bored kids resisting solo time in the freedom to play

Today we explore our kids’ FREEDOM TO PLAY! This is the Q&A wrap-up to our weekly episode where we deep dive into our kids struggles with independent play. This week, we explore why PLAY is being proven to be a gift -- an opportunity for development of self-esteem, socialization, autonomy, creativity and confidence for our kids. How can we balance our responsibility to keep our kids happy and connected to us while ALSO nurturing independent play skills? Dig in with us for a deeper understanding of how kids learn best and why what interests them as a unique individuals matters when it comes to developing their brains and hearts! Freedom to play trusts that kids can and should take the lead in these realms of growth and exploration through play with our supportive presence.We talk about WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE, with two siblings exploring risky playground time and a kid who is struggling to play independently at home. We also touch on flipping some unhelpful / culturally conditioned beliefs and explore all the ways we’re endeavoring to parent beyond instinct and conventional wisdom -- with awareness, authenticity and alignment. We laugh, we cry, we lean in. Join us!Mental Mantras we explore:- Observe more, do less- I get to be an audience member!- Their play, their rules- Play is learning- Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?- They don’t need a third wheel in their playRelevant Links + resources that informed this episode:- Upbringing’s Freedoms Model- Upbringing’s RESIST Approach- Upbringing’s 12 Empowerments- Simplicity Parenting, by Kim John Payne- Play, by Stuart Brown- Free To Learn, by Peter Gray- It’s Ok Not To Share, by Heather Shumaker- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert- Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski- My Buddy and Me Commercial- Teacher Tom- Magda Gerber, RIE Parenting founder- Your Self-Confident Baby, by Magda Gerber- "Wants Nothing Quality Time"- Janet Lansbury, RIE Parenting Queen- RIE Parenting Basics + RIE.org- Gillian Lynne, dancer & choreographer- “Open-ended play”- “Free play”- The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies- Star Wars trash compactor - not our ideal play area!- Baby Knows Best, by Deborah Carlisle Soloman- Unconditional Parenting, by Alfie Kohn- The Power of Play, by David Elkind- Nurture Shock, by Po Bronson + Ashley Merryman- The Importance of Being Little, by Erika Christakis- The Self Driven Child, by William Stixrud & Ned Johnson- Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck- John Dewey - “Learn By Doing”- Attachment Parenting Theory- Montessori Method of education- Upstream, by Mary Oliver- Amber Okamura, Upbringing’s Artist- Mary Schroeder, Upbringing’s Letterer- Alex Olavarria, our producer, conductor, editor + husband/brother in lawToday’s episode is supported by A Kid’s Book About- a collection of beautifully designed books that kickstart challenging and empowering conversations between kids and their grownups. Visit our website, www.upbringing.co to learn more about us and sign up for our newsletter! We want to hear your thoughts. We care deeply about what you think and how you’re doin’, so get in touch -- we’re better together.Email us: [email protected] Upbringing on:Instagram: @up_bringingFacebook: @jointheupbringingJoin us to explore topics such as: parenting, motherhood, discipline, resistance, RIE parenting, feminist parenting, toddlers, tantrums, potty training, mindful parenting, conscious parenting, evidence-based parenting, positive parenting, respectful parenting, simplicity parenting and positive discipline.