Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine family members’ perceptions of how children’s active free play has changed across generations. Data were collected from a total of 11 participants (3 grandparents, 4 parents, and 4 children) from three families who resided in a small rural town in Alberta. Interview questions were tailored to members of each generation, but common questions focused on childhood play activities, barriers to play, and (as appropriate) parenting strategies to foster play. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. Results showed three main ways in which active free play appeared to have changed. First, participants reported that active free play now competes heavily with the draw of the latest technology and electronic devices. Second, parental supervision and perceptions of safety concerns have changed, influencing when and where children can play. More specifically, the perceived threat of danger from strangers appears to have forced current parents to adopt much stricter rules governing their children’s play. Finally, the use of play spaces appears to have changed across generations. Earlier generations described playing more in open greenspaces and with very little equipment, whereas younger generations reported playing mostly at playgrounds and with a variety of equipment. These findings demonstrate how play has changed across three generations of families and may provide an understanding of how to increase active free play among children in the future.
