Playcentre: growing communities
RBy Elyse Ward
ecently, while recovering from Covid, I had some time to think on the crazy world we live in. How resilient our kids are to be growing up in these unprecedented times.
My son was born in May 2020 so masks, lockdowns, isolations and all the rest are his normal.
Unfortunately, we are now facing influenza, colds and RSV all on top of Covid, and while terms 2 and now 3 have been a funny time for us with families - in and out with sickness and isolation each week - as we all come back together it strikes me how lucky we are to have our community at Playcentre to support each other through these times.
While we, as adults, concern ourselves with day to day trivial things, nothing makes me happier than watching my son arrive on a Tuesday morning and greet his friends and their whānau with hugs as they toddle off to play. It’s pure magic in a crazy world.
Term 4 planning is now underway and the excitement is so high for us parents to see what new ideas and challenges we can put together for the kids. So many new interests are emerging, bringing with them ideas and creativity. New families joining us recently also help bring life and excitement to the centre and alongside our toddlers and little big kids we now have several wee bubs under one to look forward to watching grow!
As we watch them learn and evolve each week, it’s an incredibly satisfying experience for any parent to see their little one challenge themselves in various ways, and know that not only are you helping that growth, but are helping shape their futures.
You can’t help but wonder what skills and life lessons will stay with them as they continue their journeys.
I know for sure the one thing that I hope Milo carries with him forever, if nothing else. It’s the magic Playcentre brings. It’s happiness.