As the cost-of-living crisis starts to take hold, many families will be wondering how they can offer their children low- or no-cost play opportunities in the home this winter.

A key message to share is that it’s not what you have, it’s what you do. The simplest of activities, with little or no cost attached to them, can become magical moments when they are shared with children. Often, the key ingredient is our time. Children thrive when we as adults show them that they are worth our time and that we value and want to be a part of their world of play.

Our time is the greatest gift we can give our children. That doesn’t mean going on expensive trips out – it could just be playing a family game, going for a walk, jumping in puddles or reading a book together.

As parents and carers, spending time with our children brings so many benefits, including:

• Building our children’s self esteem

• Strengthening family bonds

• Encouraging communication

• Teaching children how to interact with others socially

• Developing children’s interests