It’s a time for family-friendly entertainment, but the season is not just about sports.
This is a time to get your kids involved in the activities that really matter, said Teresa G. Rieker, executive director of the National Alliance for Play and Entertainment.
The National Alliance is a national nonprofit association dedicated to the growth and success of children and families, and is comprised of more than 3,000 child care providers and their families.
In the past decade, the association has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of visits and calls for help from families and caregivers, Riekers said.
While that growth has helped increase the number and quality of services, it has also created new challenges for families.
Riekers believes that the rise in the demand for play and recreation is also creating challenges for parents.
In fact, she said, she is seeing more parents seeking out playtime as they struggle to pay for childcare.
“This year, we’ve seen that more parents are turning to playtime for their children,” Riekser said.
“We know there are challenges for the caregivers who are trying to manage this growing demand, and we need to make sure that we are making it easier for parents to have playtime in a variety of ways.”
To help parents understand the challenges that can be encountered during playtime, the National Association launched the “Play & Learn” project, which provides tips on how to manage the growing demand for children.
The project provides tips about playtime management, the types of playtime that can help families stay focused, and ways to help families enjoy playtime.
For more information about the Play & Learn project, visit: www.nadf.org/playandlearn If you or someone you know needs help with their child, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
If you are a family member, contact the National Child Advocacy Network (NCAN) for help.
If you have a concern, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
To learn more about play and playtime: www .nbc.com/playtime For more on the National Children’s Day, visit www.nationalchildrensday.gov/2018/child-care-festival