It's late afternoon. Wet coats hang in the hallway, dinner is still a while away, and your child wants to keep playing. Perhaps you're short of ideas. Here are three ways to move and build at home. Try them one at a time and start with what your child feels like doing today.
Before you begin: Make room on a non-slip surface, away from furniture edges. Follow the manufacturer's age, assembly and use instructions for climbing and balance products. Stay with your child during play and close by whenever they climb.
1. A path through the living room
Clear a corner. A line of painter's tape on the floor and a few cushions to walk around are enough to make a path. Your child decides where it starts and ends. Tomorrow a straight line might turn into a winding route. Today they might simply want to walk it ten times.
If you have a balance set, let your child help choose the route: straight, zigzag or around a corner. Adults should assemble it safely according to the instructions. The CLIFF balance beam set can be connected in different ways. Start with an easy route your child can manage.
2. Climbing with room to play
Sometimes a child wants to climb up, come down and start again. A climbing frame needs more than enough space to fit in a corner. There must also be clear space around it during play; a ramp takes up additional room when laid out.
If you already have a suitable climbing frame, your child can repeat a familiar movement. Keep checking that it is assembled safely, that there is enough clear space and that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. There is no need to reach a higher step today. If you're choosing a frame, our CLIFF comparison guide shows the dimensions, included parts and differences between models. Measure the space you need to keep clear while it is in use.
3. A little world grows from the path
If your child would rather play on the floor, put out a few building pieces and a toy vehicle or figure you already own. “Here's a river. How will the car cross it?” A bridge might appear, then perhaps a whole town. Build a little together, offer an idea and see what your child makes of it.
The Just Blocks sets in our shop are intended for children aged 3 and over. Our guide to BASIC and Smart Lines explains how the two building styles differ.
What if your child still asks for the tablet?
They may still want to watch their favourite programme. These play ideas don't have to be the first choice every time. You could suggest something specific for an agreed time afterwards: “Shall we carry on with the bridge later?” Keep your family's age-appropriate media rules in place. Leave room in the day for movement, sleep, conversation and free play too.
Perhaps a bridge will still be standing at the end of the day, ready for your child to add to tomorrow. If it isn't in anyone's way, let it stay for another day.
Further reading: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health guidance on digital media (in German).