· By Natureplayhk in the city
A blank sheet of paper
Children are like a blank sheet of paper: Young parents' thoughts and support on parenting
In the eyes of children, the world is brand new; they are like a clean sheet of paper, waiting to be painted. Psychological research indicates that children's early experiences gradually accumulate into a set of values and behavioral patterns in their subconscious minds, influencing how they understand, adapt, and navigate the world in the future. According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children's thinking and values aren't formed out of thin air; they are constructed through interaction and exploration. In other words, the experiences parents provide in their children's early lives become the foundation of their personalities and values.
Anxiety and confusion of young parents
As a new parent, you might be wondering: What should I prioritize? Food and nutrition? Obedience and well-behaved children? Academic achievement? Or allowing children to play freely? Many parents experience anxiety and uncertainty in the early stages of parenting, unsure how their choices will shape their children's futures. However, research shows that whether it's diet, environment, or education, what children need most is a safe environment where they can explore, feel emotionally supported, and face appropriate challenges.
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky emphasized that a child's development relies on their "Zone of Proximal Development" (ZPD), meaning that appropriate support from adults and peers helps children gradually reach higher-level abilities. This suggests that parental observation, expectations, and companionship are more crucial than simply focusing on good grades.
Games: The starting point of children's learning
One of the most natural and effective ways to achieve this is through play. Play isn't simply entertainment; it's a bridge for children to understand the world and develop themselves. American scholar Mildred Parten (1932) proposed a theory of the social stages of children's play, categorizing play into different types, each with its own unique developmental significance.
The following is a classification table of game properties:
| Nature of the game | explain | Suitable for development stage | example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo game | The child plays alone and does not interact with others | 2-3 years old | Children playing with building blocks |
| Parallel Games | Children play side by side but rarely communicate | 2.5-4 years old | Two children drawing |
| Cooperative Game | Divide the work and cooperate to complete the game together | 4.5 years and above | Playing family roles |
| Parent-Directed Gaming | Designed and directed by adults | Suitable for ages 0-6 | Parent-led jigsaw puzzle game |
| Child-led play | Children's independent decision-making and imagination | 3 years old and above | Weave your own story scenarios |
Why are these different types of play important to children's development?
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Solo play: Promotes concentration and autonomy.
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Parallel play: Building observation skills and imitation learning.
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Cooperative games: train collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills.
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Parent-led games: Let children learn rules and skills.
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Child-led play: Encouraging creativity, confidence and exploration.
This development process from "individual" to "cooperation" is just like a child's growth journey from "self-centered" to "social member".
Why do parents need to understand the importance of games?
Research shows that different types of play are irreplaceable and valuable for children's development. Lack of any one type can lead to developmental deficiencies. For example, a lack of solitary play can hinder children's ability to self-soothe and focus; a lack of parallel play can reduce their ability to observe others' behavior; and a lack of cooperative play can limit their future social interaction, collaboration, and stress tolerance. Therefore, parents need to understand and balance different types of play to effectively promote their children's multifaceted growth. This view is supported by numerous scholars: Mildred Parten's (1932) social play theory reveals that children's social development gradually evolves with the type of play they engage in; Piaget believed that play is a true reflection of cognitive development; and Vygotsky emphasized that cooperative and interactive play can help children develop higher-order thinking skills.
Knowledge is easy, practice is difficult
In the internet age, anyone can find an overwhelming amount of parenting information simply by searching for keywords. However, knowledge doesn't equal practical ability. The real key lies in practical companionship: repeated practice, feedback, and gradual adjustments. Parenting is like a continuous process of "action learning." Parents need not only to "know" but, more importantly, to "do."
Parental support and growing together
In this rapidly changing world, AI, the internet, and emerging technologies are profoundly reshaping education and life. Children's futures require more than academic performance; they also require emotional management, creativity, empathy, and critical thinking—qualities that are more complex than those faced by previous generations. If we parents ourselves struggle to withstand the immense pressure and anxiety brought on by this rapidly changing world, how can we expect our children to safely navigate the challenges of the future? Therefore, we parents must also learn to care for our own emotions and learning. In this rapidly evolving and changing world, we must embrace lifelong learning and an open mindset to move forward alongside our children.
We advocate for the establishment of a "co-learning community" where families can support and communicate with each other while accompanying their children's growth. We hope that this community can jointly cultivate:
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Sound common sense and life ethics
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Critical and creative thinking
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Appreciation of beauty and gratitude
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Social and cooperative skills
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Mental resilience in the face of stress and anxiety
Moving forward hand in hand
Parenting is a journey without return, and an adventure of personal growth. We invite you, those of you still exploring, to join us on this journey. Through the power of community and practical experience, we will help children and parents grow together in love and support. May every piece of "blank paper" be filled with the most beautiful stories, with the companionship of parents and the community.
For more information on nature play activities, please visit our various media links: https://linktr.ee/natureplayhk
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Nature play allows children to learn through play, guiding spontaneous learning and fully activating their creativity, social development, motor development, cognitive and sensory abilities! For enquiries and registration, please email natureplayhk@gmail.com or call 9883 9423.
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