Children best left to play in the rain

August 26 2009

Children need not be sheltered from the rain and should be encouraged to continue playing, says expert.

Childhood and play specialist Tim Gill has some advice that is likely to be of interest to people in teaching jobs in Hertfordshire.

Mr Gill told the BBC that as adults, we put our concerns first and we would be better to let children enjoy themselves, even in poor weather.

"It's about a change of mindset," he told the broadcaster. "If it rains, children can still go out and play in the garden."

Part of the problem, he went on to explain, is that some younger parents may not have experienced much play themselves.

"They have lost touch with being outside and there is a danger that this will get handed on to their children," he said.

Former mayor Major Tom Wye has said a new playground planned for Worthing should be located on the beach, the Mid Sussex Times has reported.

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