One of the many extraordinary traditions at Lake Forest Country Day School is the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest. There are usually ten finalists from across the middle school who present the most incredible speeches on a range of different topics to the School community. This year’s speakers were inspiring, and one speech has been resonating with me as we step into the summer. Sixth-grade student Noa Paige delivered a speech entitled Treasuring Childhood.
During her talk, Noa Paige discussed the significance of children expressing their authentic selves and the importance of unstructured free play. She stated, “Without unstructured play children become nervous and anxious in real-life situations when there isn’t enough structure. The result is these kids grow up without being able to express their own authentic selves.”
As we begin the summer, it is important that we find engaging and thought-provoking activities for our children. However, it is equally important to ensure that they have a healthy dose of unstructured free play. Unstructured free play is one of the greatest and most important aspects of childhood. The ability to play, discover and explore make some of the best childhood memories.
I have been reflecting a lot on how short childhood is and how the roots of a happy life are planted during times of freedom and discovery. I suggest taking a few moments as summer begins and deliberately look for ways for your children to have unstructured free play during the summer. The memories that they create during these moments will last a lifetime and, as Noa Paige reminds, it will allow them to, “express their own authentic self.”
