Joining my daughter’s Embers Unit as a Girl Guide leader in September 2024 is something I have considered for a while. However, I wondered if I could find the time and energy to do the role justice.
While I was interviewing Seth Kaplan on my podcast “Rediscovering Connection,” he explained the value of volunteering to build trust and connection in your community, and to build diversity into our circles of connection. As a British expat here in Victoria, what he said aligned with my values and I felt it was important to pursue.
What I didn’t expect was an education on the art of play!
Every week at Girl Guides, we take turns leading the session, after the Junior Leaders opening games—like octopus and colour tag—and the opening circle. Seeing the girls respond to suggestions of play, and watching play naturally evolve, has been such a blessing. And being asked to instigate playful and engaging activities feels like an important skill to nurture, as a mom of two.
It is helping me set the stage at home. To suggest new games for us to play and to instigate playful activities when they have playdates. This really hit home when attending a fifth birthday party recently. There were no games, the children were simply left to it. Without judgement, I found myself being curious about the importance of structured play. Our little ones are often left wondering how to entertain themselves, so occasionally setting them up for play can help them find their way to joy with ease.
Inspiring Play Beyond the Screen
It can also be valuable to lead your kids towards success with an item or activity that allows them to play by themselves and take their imagination and creativity to a whole new level.
My eight-year-old has been asking for a device for six months and I am not ready to face this level of parenting battles yet. Instead, we decided to go back in time, and gave her a boombox CD player for Christmas. I used to love mine growing up, and want to encourage her love of music, without screens. Her excitement was unreal. This has led her to instigate dance parties, balloon parties and she has even taken initiative and fled to her room to listen to music when family life becomes overwhelming. A way for her to regulate, without intervention.
Seeing my daughter explore this new interest made me realize that finding a balance between structured play, playdates, family time, screens and solo time is a topic I should be bringing to my daughter’s Embers Unit. If my family is dealing with this, they probably are as well.
If you feel called to volunteer or to learn how to instigate structured play with your littles, why not consider Girl Guides, Scouts or even coaching your child’s sports team? In my experience, my girl loves having me there and I love seeing her play with her friends and witnessing a side to her that we don’t see at home.
What are you waiting for? Get out and play together!
