Now that the Restore Illinois guidelines have gotten us back to Phase 4 and we've been able to expand the number of play sessions we can offer, we've been giving some serious thought to "what's next." Our staff have been having many conversations with parents who tell us that they are glad we have been able to reopen.
One of the conversations that has happened a few times with parents has been around the young child and how when the world shut down in March 2020, their child was either very young (under 6 months) or not born yet. In these conversations, we are learning that for many of you, your visit to the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is your child's first outing... ever. We are so very grateful and humble that you chose our organization for your child's first outing. Thank you.
Internally, we've been talking about this phenomena and how children of this age really need something all of their own during this time. Parents may also need time to interact with other parents for both emotional and just general support. Therefore, starting on February 24 and every Wednesday thereafter, we are opening our museum from 8:30am-9:30am strictly for parents and their children ages 2 and under.
This will be an opportunity for first time parents as well as other parents to get your child 2 and under into a safe, fun environment with other children of the same age group. There will be no older children in the museum at this time.
Pathways.org has information about the stages of play development for this age group.
Unoccupied Play (Birth-3 Months)
At this stage baby is just making a lot of movements with their arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. They are learning about and discovering how their body moves.
Solitary Play (Birth-2 Years)
This is the stage when a child plays alone. They are not interested in playing with others quite yet.
Spectator/Onlooker Behavior (2 Years)
During this stage a child begins to watch other children playing but does not play with them.
Parallel Play (2+ Years)
When a child plays alongside or near others but does not play with them this stage is referred to as parallel play.
Get tickets for the upcoming Wee Ones Wednesday here!
One of the conversations that has happened a few times with parents has been around the young child and how when the world shut down in March 2020, their child was either very young (under 6 months) or not born yet. In these conversations, we are learning that for many of you, your visit to the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is your child's first outing... ever. We are so very grateful and humble that you chose our organization for your child's first outing. Thank you.
Internally, we've been talking about this phenomena and how children of this age really need something all of their own during this time. Parents may also need time to interact with other parents for both emotional and just general support. Therefore, starting on February 24 and every Wednesday thereafter, we are opening our museum from 8:30am-9:30am strictly for parents and their children ages 2 and under.
This will be an opportunity for first time parents as well as other parents to get your child 2 and under into a safe, fun environment with other children of the same age group. There will be no older children in the museum at this time.
Pathways.org has information about the stages of play development for this age group.
Unoccupied Play (Birth-3 Months)
At this stage baby is just making a lot of movements with their arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. They are learning about and discovering how their body moves.
Solitary Play (Birth-2 Years)
This is the stage when a child plays alone. They are not interested in playing with others quite yet.
Spectator/Onlooker Behavior (2 Years)
During this stage a child begins to watch other children playing but does not play with them.
Parallel Play (2+ Years)
When a child plays alongside or near others but does not play with them this stage is referred to as parallel play.
Get tickets for the upcoming Wee Ones Wednesday here!
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