23. Allana Robinson on the Benefits of Being Outdoors and Free Play

<p class="p1">We’ve all heard how great it is for our kids to engage in free play, especially while spending time outside. But what are the real benefits? Furthermore, how in the world do we even get our kids to play independently for more than five minutes at a time? Why is it so difficult for some children to be interested in playing alone?  Our guest today, Allana Robinson, is an expert on this topic and she is sharing how to make this all possible for you and your children. </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">In my conversation with Allana, we discuss the importance of outdoor play and independent play. This has been a huge passion of mine over the last year, and I’m excited for you to hear this discussion. Allana Robinson is a parenting coach and registered early childhood educator. She supports parents of children 2-6 years old with understanding why their children misbehave and how to fix it without yelling, shaming, or time-outs.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">In this episode we discuss:</p> <p class="p1">-The definition of free play and why it’s so important for adults not to interfere during this time<br /> -How to slowly build up free play time at any age<br /> -Incorporating nature with infants<br /> -Why parents have fears around unsupervised play<br /> -Setting safe boundaries with children and using the tools available to us</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Resources mentioned:</p> <p class="p1">-<a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Time-Timer-Charcoal-Operation-Management/dp/B06XKZTCS2?ac_md=2-1-dGltZSB0aW1lciBwbHVz-ac_d_rm&cv_ct_cx=time+timer&dchild=1&keywords=time+timer&pd_rd_i=B06XKZTCS2&pd_rd_r=01e96451-cdfa-4775-9c04-7e2bd2267a1a&pd_rd_w=EhRqV&pd_rd_wg=EORAO&pf_rd_p=b0625ac1-ea22-4a1c-8206-57129b08e075&pf_rd_r=1A408PBFWZX0PZAS06E8&psc=1&qid=1622565400&returnFromLogin=1&sr=1-2-12d4272d-8adb-4121-8624-135149aa9081&linkCode=sl1&tag=llanaobinson-20&linkId=4dfb9438210509f52106aab632441569&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Time timer</a></p> <p class="p1">-<a href= "https://online.ucpress