Nature Play WA, CEO, Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear joined Bec and Asa on Drive to discuss winter activities and how they relate to our current cost of living.
“As we know, cost of living affects pretty much every aspect of what we do,” began Kelsie.
Financial Strains on Family Fun
She explained the costs that come with extra-curricular activities for our children.
“We don’t have the money to enroll them in sport like we usually would.”
The Cost of Childhood
Wet weather clothes are also an investment, along with camping gear and travel expenses.
“We don’t want to spend the petrol to go as far, so it really impacts what we do with our kids,” she said.
Kelsie said, the good news is, you don’t have to have money to have a great childhood.
“When we reflect on our own childhood, it often doesn’t involve money, but it can be a joyful time.”
Kelsie said parents should give themselves space to breathe and to take the pressure off to know that money does not equal fun all the time.
Any Time of Year
Activities we would usually engage in during summer, can also be enjoyed during colder seasons.
“It can be a really different experience, like going to the beach, having a picnic, checking out a waterfall or doing something interesting in the metro areas.”
Kelsie continued by saying there is plenty of free activities available to families, and we are very fortunate as a city.
Nature Play WA Directory
Nature Play has a directory called Play in WA and you can look up all kinds of places to go, lots of them with free activities.
Asa added that he has a friend who believes that beach weather is a state of mind.
To that, Kelsie said, as parents shift their perspectives into what they can do, over what they can’t, they will see that the biggest gift is a parent’s time.
“We can go check out some spaces, and you’re still giving your kids the benefits of being outside, of getting exercise and having time with you, which you would normally probably spend on the sideline, but are now engaging with your kids.”
She argued that family time is just as valuable, if not more valuable and doesn’t have to cost.
Bec added to that by saying, wet weather is a great opportunity for messy play.
“You don’t need the wet weather gear. Go jump in some puddles everyone.”
Kelsie agreed, that although they might need towels and a shower, they would be getting that level of dirty in outside sports and use their bodies as much if not more in any other extra-curricular activity.
“I think in WA, we’re the only place that gets scared of the cold. Everyone else seems to continue to get outside and it means we don’t get as sick because we’re outdoors more. So as a scientist reminded me yesterday, we don’t catch colds from being cold, we catch viruses from being inside on top of each other. So yep, get outside, get fresh air and enjoy that time with the kids.”
Check out the full chat with Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear below.