“Play Centres Are Recognised Service”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 2

“Play Centres Are Recognised Service”

Play centres were a recognised pre-school service, not just baby-minding places which only offered respite for tired mothers. They were family centres which also depended on effective parents’ programmes for their success. These were points emphasised by Mrs G. Somerset, Dominion adviser to the Federation

of Play Centres’ Assoc: to the Christchurch as? “We don’t take a child from its family. We say to the family: this is your child, you come and help,” she said. Parehts had a right to information about their children. At play centres mothers could discuss what was worrying them about their children in a friendly, homely atmosphere. For this reason, play centres provided a unioue offering :'n a community. All parents were interested! in their children and wanted to do well with them. Many parents gained more understanding about their children by watching them learn and share with other children. “Play centres do not tell parents how to bring up their children but help parents by discussing their children's behaviour," she said. Parents were educated to understand the work of play centres, which was changing continually to meet changing needs. Every mother-helper had her part to play, as did the supervisors, in extending the work of an educational preschool service. They had to know when to come forward and help a child and when to stand back and leave a child at olay. “No matter how good the equipment is at a play centre it is useless if playing conditions are not satisfactory.” she said. This meant mothers had to know whst they were doing. Mothers who were unsure of themselves were constantly fussing worried children and they would not play

“And if you don’t get more fun out of your children through joining a play centre, then it is not a good play centre.” she said. “Parents are the best people to provide for the ne»>ds of their own children. The more sensitive we are about our children the

iations, when speaking lociation last evening, more able we are to provide for them.” Mrs Somerset congratulated the Christchurch Play Centres' Association on the tip! end. id work it was doing. By this work, members were helping mothers to understand their children better and opening their eyes to making parenthood so much richer. Mrs Somerset said. Mrs Somerset is spending (three days in the Christchurch association’s area, visiting play centres and equipment rooms. This evening she will speak to supervisors on the scope of supervision and avenues of information on child behaviour.