Kids deserve to take a break too

 

As a single mom working part-time and going to school, Donna* often has classes or has to work late, which means she relies on a babysitter to take care of her kids until she can get home. Days are long and Donna often feels like she could use a break from the daily stress and demands of parenting, working, and studying. And she knows her kids deserve the chance to have some fun and take a break too. 

Every parent can relate to the stresses of parenting but imagine how much more challenging that would be when living on an annual income of less than $13,000 like Donna does. For families living in poverty, it feels impossible to consider providing your kids with exciting and fun opportunities to take music lessons, play sports, or go to camp, when faced with daily decisions like how to pay the bills or put food on the table. Parents want to shield their kids from these day to day struggles, and one of the ways they can do that is through play.

“This week at camp allows them to have a break, and the chance to interact with other kids and do many different activities.”

"It's a week where my daughter gets to be free from stress and just be about her. It is invaluable to my child.”

Children really need the chance to take a break from their school and daily routines, and play is a vital part of a healthy childhood. Studies have shown that all work and no play doesn’t just make Jack a dull boy (or Jill a dull girl), it can negatively impact their learning and development.  Having opportunities to explore, relax, and reboot are essential for achieving productivity, success, social engagement, and a positive outlook on the future.   

Without the support of our community through the Free to Play Program, children living in poverty simply would not have this chance. Currently, over 1,000 children are able to take a break and participate in recreational activities and the benefits they experience are plentiful. 

"My son got to experience a little bit of magic thanks to your program. Your grant made it affordable for him to participate in a program that would have otherwise been out of reach financially for me.”

With your help, we will ensure that no child lives without the opportunity to take a break and experience a little bit of magic and fun.

 

*Name changed for privacy.