This is how we always played as kids! My parents were great for reading with us, crafts, going out etc but neither of them really had the imagination (or attention span) for just playing so me and my sister entertained ourselves in that respect. We both have great imaginations as adults and I’m sure that’s partly down to all the times we made our own fun and games.Just catching up here. There is nothing really wrong with the umbrella game but it would honestly be better if it was a team game at a party/play group or something the boys actually came up with themselves rather than another idea Soph has taken off the internet. I fear those boys will grow up unable to come up with their own ideas or the ability to be independent.
Soph - look up Free Play and then apply liberally to your children.
I’m sure she loves her children but she is doing them absolutely zero favours when it comes to their development imo