Playday 2024

Today, 7 August, marks National Playday 2024 and we want to celebrate and appreciate the importance of playing. Play is crucial to a child’s development and wellbeing, allowing children to thrive and develop physically, socially and cognitively. Every child deserves to play, so we spoke with the families we support about the ways their children play.

Playing comes in all shapes and sizes

Sarah signed her children, eight-year-old Hisham and ten-year-old Ayaan up for one of Family Fund’s Discover Digital workshops. We asked her about Ayaan’s experience, and how he uses his computer coding skills to play.

“For a boy who is always fidgeting, I couldn’t believe how he stayed in the one spot during the workshop for the hour. He absolutely loved it. As soon as the computer coding workshop finished, he spent nearly an hour showing me how much he learnt. Since, he has made a number of animations, like a conversation between a child and a dog.”

Tailoring play for your child’s needs

Eight-year-old Elizabeth has sickle cell anaemia. Her mum, Adeola, says, “Elizabeth has to play indoors a lot. She has to stay warm to avoid her getting infections. Because of this, everything we do as a family is mostly indoors. I spend a lot of time watching her to make sure she is not getting too tired or cold.”

Family Fund gave Adeola a grant for a laptop for Elizabeth. Adeola said, “I was so surprised and happy when we received the grant. The laptop keeps Elizabeth entertained and happy at home. She plays games and watches videos, which is such a relief for me.”

Inclusive play

For parents raising a child with a disability or serious illness, play requires more proactivity to ensure a child is included. There is more planning involved to ensure your child can access play in a way that suits their needs and is safe.

“We want Lennon to experience everything, and have the same opportunities as other children. Family Fund gave our family a grant for a break. On holiday, Lennon interacts and plays with other children, which isn’t always possible at home. Other children are always so inquisitive. They ask us why Lennon can’t walk or talk properly. We take time to explain, and by the end of the holiday, every child knows Lennon. They go to the disco together and throw balls to him in the pool. They want to include him”.

Play can give carers a breather

Five-year-old Lewis lives in Scotland with his mum and dad, Craig and Kellie. When speaking about Lewis, Kellie said, “Lewis loves people, and everyone remembers Lewis. He has Down’s syndrome, and though he does things a typical five-year-old would do, he also does things that a two-year-old would do. He has low muscle tone, so gets tired very easily and even things like getting in and out of the car are difficult for him.”

Family Fund gave Lewis’ family a grant for outdoor play equipment. Kellie said, “Lewis is over the moon with his play equipment. The climbing is really good for strengthening his muscles, and he loves being outside.”

When asked about the difference the outdoor play equipment made to Kellie, she said, “Sometimes as a parent to a child with a disability, you can feel like the walls are closing in on you in the house. Knowing I can sit and watch Lewis play in the garden each evening is great, feeling the sun on my face and getting some fresh air with him.”