OK, this sounds pretty rediculous, but.........
I've been reading about free play and in theory I agree. My kids when they were growing up got a LOT of free play, but mostly outside - we lived on a farm.
First, I'd like to discuss definitions of "Free Play". I'm thinking what one person considers free play another might consider directed play. Are we all on the same page?
Second, I have to ask for help once again:
How in the world do you keep them from fighting?? I only have three (ah, the magic number), and it is non-stop fighting if I allow them free play for over 15 minutes. I try redirecting and the same thing happens at the next toy. I do "toy time outs" and "thinking spots", but none of that seems to work. I DO have three VERY active children, one definitely ADHD, one VERY ACTIVE. I would like to allow them more free play, but it doesn't work. How do ya'll do it??
I have toys separated out into containers, they are allowed to share a toy or take up to one each out. That part works very well. They are very good about not making huge messes and sticking to the one toy each rule. But free play around here spells disaster.
Any suggestions?
I've been reading about free play and in theory I agree. My kids when they were growing up got a LOT of free play, but mostly outside - we lived on a farm.
First, I'd like to discuss definitions of "Free Play". I'm thinking what one person considers free play another might consider directed play. Are we all on the same page?
Second, I have to ask for help once again:
How in the world do you keep them from fighting?? I only have three (ah, the magic number), and it is non-stop fighting if I allow them free play for over 15 minutes. I try redirecting and the same thing happens at the next toy. I do "toy time outs" and "thinking spots", but none of that seems to work. I DO have three VERY active children, one definitely ADHD, one VERY ACTIVE. I would like to allow them more free play, but it doesn't work. How do ya'll do it??
I have toys separated out into containers, they are allowed to share a toy or take up to one each out. That part works very well. They are very good about not making huge messes and sticking to the one toy each rule. But free play around here spells disaster.
Any suggestions?
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