EXCLUSIVE: Bindi Irwin chats all things parenting and play with Bounty Parents

“We have every episode of Bluey and Hey Duggee downloaded!”

Since welcoming daughter, Grace Warrior two years ago, Bindi Irwin has been thrilling fans with her hands-on approach to parenting. Bindi’s engaging social media presence gives fans an insight into life with hubby, Chandler Powell and little Grace Warrior as they continue their conservation work for the family business, Australia Zoo.

One thing is abundantly clear, nature and play are a huge part of Grace Warrior’s life.

Recent research revealed a shocking reality: children now spend just two percent of their week, or seven hours, playing, while adults devote an average of 26 hours per week to smartphone use. The study also found that 70 percent of parents prioritise structured, achievement-based activities over free play, believing it leads to future success.

A campaign by the LEGO Group, called “Play is Your Superpower”  and helped along by Bindi, is challenging this trend by inviting families worldwide to prioritise the superpower of play in shaping children’s cognitive abilities, well-being, and happiness.

Bindi, who says her “superpower” is connection, took time to chat with Bounty Parents about the importance of play in her life with Grace Warrior. You can see what she had to say below, where you may just be surprised at her stance on screen time!

Bindi Irwin chats parenting and play with Bounty

Can you share any tips or ideas for parents who want to encourage more play with their child?
“My best advice is to dedicate time to being completely present with your family. It’s all too easy for life to get in the way of quality, intentional time with your child or children. Set down devices, and plan on time together doing what you love as a family. Those are the moments you will treasure forever.”

Do you use technology – nature apps, websites, TV – as part of your parenting style? If so, how to you manage screen time versus play time?
“We travel a lot with our conservation work and often the travel days are absolutely enormous. For us, trying to take a 12 hour drive to outback Australia or a 17 hour flight from Australia to Africa with a two year old is made achievable by using some technology. We find super fun nature based apps because animals are Grace’s favourite. And of course, we have every episode of Bluey and Hey Duggee downloaded! Every parent and family has a different style when it comes to screen time, we use our screen time when we know our toddler needs to stay in one place and would much rather be outside running around.”

What are simple/inexpensive things that parents who live in cities can do to help kids spend time in nature?
“We travel a lot as a family and we are constantly seeking out nature based activities for our daughter. She doesn’t like being inside so play outdoors is essential for a happy, calm toddler in our family! When we are visiting cities we look for any kind of park or nature refuge to visit. You don’t always need toys or entertainment, just running around outdoors looking for animals, sticks, rocks, leaves is everything… it’s such a simple and wonderful way to reconnect with the natural world.”

What are some of your favourite play activities to do as a family?
“Outside, outside, outside. Honestly, when we want to have fun together it’s all outside. When weather conditions prevent that, I also love setting up sensory tables for our daughter, we all get involved and have best time discovering and playing together. We even take our LEGO bricks out there.”

We know you loved playing in your treehouse as a child. Does the real one still exist?
“My original treehouse unfortunately didn’t make it through to present day as it would be 20 years old by now. However, we did build a new treehouse for guests at Australia Zoo to explore. It’s enormous and so much fun. You’re surrounded by lemurs, birds, tortoises and echidnas on an island located within Australia Zoo grounds. It’s such a special place.

“I have learned that play is like exercise for the body and mind. Watching our beautiful daughter play, I see so much development with her confidence, curiosity and wonder for the world around her. Becoming a parent, I never expected play time to be as utterly magical as it is for our family.”