Last Friday I took my little girl to the library.
We’ve been regulars at the library since my eldest was a baby, and then when i had my second it was a convenient place to stop and feed my littlest while the big one could flick through a book. But it’s something we’ve always loved — choosing books, curling up in a quiet corner to read together. But this time, it was empty.
It made me stop and think.
Are we so busy, so focused on the idea of “big days out” and “making memories,” that we’re forgetting how valuable the little moments can be?
We live in a world that constantly tells parents to do more — the soft play trips, the zoo visits, the big attractions. And don’t get me wrong, those days are wonderful in their own way. But they don’t need to be the only way we spend time with our children.
As a coach, I see every week how much children gain from structure — their confidence grows, they learn teamwork, social skills, and the joy of mastering something new. Structured classes are brilliant for that.
But they don’t need to fill every hour of the week.
Unstructured time — those quiet, in-between moments — are just as valuable. That’s where imagination sparks, creativity grows, and children start to lead their own play.
It might look like:
- A detour to the park on the walk home from school
- A pile of leaves and a pair of wellies
- A basket of conkers to scoop, pour and roll across the floor
- A simple library trip where stories come to life
And it’s not just “nice to have” — research backs it up. Studies show that unstructured play supports physical development, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills just as much as organised sport. In fact, it can often lay the foundation for those skills to flourish later.
So if you’re feeling the pressure to plan something “special” this weekend, take a breath.
Quality time doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be together.
💛