By: Natasha Archary
Back before the age of technology, smartphones and uncapped wifi, children used to, believe it or not play outdoors.
A culture that has changed somewhat for most families living in suburbs due to safety concerns. In the 80s and 90s however, kids would revel in the fun that was had after school, often involving the kids in the neighbourhood.
When the weather didn’t permit outdoor fun, children would invite their friends inside to play boardgames or watch cartoons.
Entertainment was limited back then, with kiddies programmes scheduled at particular hours of the day. Which meant, unlike children of today, 80s and 90s babies had to use their imagination and creativity to pass the time.
There were a few childhood games which were used to keep boredom at bay.
Here are a few:
- Mantlwane – or playing house
- Jumping rope
- Diketo which involved throwing stones
- Tops and marbles – often played in tournaments to win your opponents collections
- Hop-scotch
- Tins/Bricks – where you stack them and try to knock them over with a ball
- Dodgeball
- Spin the bottle – this is how most teenagers back then got their first kiss
- Mgusha
Most parents want their children to spend more time doing normal childhood activities and less time on screens and devices.
It may be a good idea to introduce your kids to some of these childhood games for s few hours of fun.
Even if it’s just an hour a day that is spent running, exploring, getting messy and playing outside, it can help them burn some energy and have a positive effect on their overall mood.
Also read: The heart of parenting: Are you teaching your child emotional intelligence?
