Across the globe, a generation of children are dealing with rising anxiety. Experts point to the decline of community, the loss of unstructured play, and the rise of the ‘phone-based childhood’ – as key factors. In this article, we take a look at children in Spain and what we can learn from their way of life.

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The Decline of Unstructured Play and Community

‘The Anxious Generation’ study highlights the erosion of community and unsupervised play that fueled children’s social and emotional development for generations. Think back to a time when kids roamed freely, building forts and navigating the world with friends. This decline, coupled with the appeal of screens, has created a generation less adept at handling challenges and navigating social interactions.

The Spanish Approach

Spanish culture offers several ways to combat the trend of overprotected and indoor-focused play in children:

• Strong Emphasis on Outdoor Play: The weather in most of Spain allows for year-round outdoor activities. Public parks, plazas, and beaches are teeming with children playing freely. Parents generally have a more relaxed approach to supervision, encouraging exploration and independence.
• Focus on Family Time: Spanish people prioritize spending quality time with family, often outdoors. Weekend outings to parks, hikes in nature reserves, or bike rides along the coast are common. Long family lunches outdoors that last for hours where children play together are the norm.
• Organized Activities: Spain boasts a wide range of organized outdoor activities for children. From sailing schools and kayaking tours to adventure camps and horseback riding lessons, there’s something for every interest.
• Cultural Importance of Play: Spanish society generally views play as an essential part of a child’s development. Neighborhood ‘fiestas’ often include games and activities specifically for children, encouraging social interaction.
• Later Bedtimes: Compared to many other countries, Spanish children tend to have later bedtimes. This allows for more outdoor playtime in the evenings, especially during the long summer days.
• Spanish Plazas: As we discussed in a previous article the towns in Spain are set up around central plazas. They are laid out in a way that makes strolling to the town center safe and accessible. Just as Spanish people gather there to socialize children play together there too. There is often a playground or area for them.

Balancing Technology and Independence

This isn’t to say Spanish culture is perfect, but it does offer valuable insights. While complete isolation from technology isn’t realistic, a shift towards encouraging independence and promoting a sense of community can be a powerful antidote to the anxiety epidemic.

Cultivating Resilience Through Independence

Some psychologists are proposing we introduce more independent activities to children’s day-to-day lives. They recommend small doses of discomfort, distress, disappointment, and even mild danger (the four Ds). By allowing children to face these challenges independently, they build self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience – the very tools needed to combat anxiety.

The Role of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

On the positive side, technology has revolutionized communication and information access. We can connect with loved ones instantly across vast distances, and knowledge is at our fingertips thanks to the internet. Education has been transformed with online learning platforms, and medical advancements are happening at an unprecedented rate due to technological tools.

However, the same technology that connects us can also isolate us. Social media, while creating connections, can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. The constant barrage of information can be overwhelming, and the spread of misinformation online is a serious concern.

Children are particularly susceptible to technology’s double-edged sword. Educational apps and online resources can boost learning, but excessive screen time can hinder social development and critical thinking skills. Social media can connect them with peers but also lead to unrealistic comparisons and cyberbullying. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities, parents and educators need to be vigilant about creating a healthy balance to ensure tech use supports a child’s overall well-being.

Parenting Perspectives from Spain

We spoke to parents around Spain to get their perspective on this difficult topic. We discussed the differences between parenting in the US, Ireland, and the UK compared to Spain with some international residents also.

‘In Spain, we believe in letting kids figure things out on their own,’ says Marta Gomez, a mother of two from Madrid. ‘It’s about trusting them to learn through experience, whether it’s exploring the neighborhood or running an errand.‘

Helen from the US now living in Malaga said ‘My children spend most of the day outside playing in the communal courtyard and in the summer they spend the day in the pool.‘ She added ‘They tend to use their phones and tablets on rainy days.’

Mary from Ireland now a long-time resident in the Region of Murcia said ‘I feel like kids get to be kids for much longer in Spain, they don’t seem so obsessed with celebrities. The kids in Ireland go around dressed like adults, with a face full of makeup trying to look like a Kardashian! You don’t see that as much in Spain. The kids are usually running around playing on the beach. It’s lovely to see.‘

Linda from the UK who now lives on the Costa Blanca said ‘My grandkids barely look at their phones when they come to visit me. On top of that, they often pop to the shop by themselves to get ice cream. It is very safe here for them so they can be more independent.‘

Resources for Encouraging Independence

For more information about how to encourage more independence in their children. Websites like ‘Free-Range Kids’ and books such as ‘How to Raise an Adult’ provide practical advice on fostering independence while balancing safety concerns.

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The Spanish approach to childhood, with its emphasis on outdoor play, community involvement, and encouraging independence, offers valuable insights into combating the rising anxiety epidemic among children. By encouraging unstructured play and allowing kids to face challenges on their own, we can help them develop the resilience and skills they need to thrive in today’s world.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic! How do you encourage independence and resilience in your children? Do you think adopting aspects of the Spanish approach could benefit your family? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below.