My Connections to Play

“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” -Joseph Chilton Pearce

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw

I truly love these quotes and the vital words they share!  Play is vital to development, as that is a child’s world.  Children express themselves and learn many vital tools for the future playing.

The above 3 pictures are items I found vital and engaging when I was younger.  I had 2 sisters growing up, so playing with my siblings was a constant.  I enjoyed the outdoors and playing with jump ropes, hulu-hoops, bike, etc.  I was also very big into sports, I loved playing softball.  I was on many teams, from recreational ledge, traveling ball, school ball, and fall ball.  When I was younger my parents would limit our television time and make us go outside and play.  We had to us our imagination and creative nature.  My parents and immediate family support the physical activities of sports.  Not only was this physical movement for the body, but I was also learning many great tools for the future.  My father was actually my coach for many years.  How to work together as a team, accept different personalities, and more.  I also gained many friends and social experience during these years, that has followed me to this day.  By supporting my play and social involvement, they enriched my younger years with healthy growth and experience. 

Today indeed times are different from when I grew up.  My parents encouraged me to engage in recreational activities that consist of the outdoors.  Do not get me wrong I have my children engaged in those similar activities as well.  Electronics today are an epidemic and it seems every child has access to one or the other.  I have 3 boys, and my oldest, whom is 11 is consumed with video games if allowed.  He even conversates about the games and the new updates.  When I volunteer with the school, children have phones, talking and discussing the same video lingo as my son.  Nevertheless without parents enforcing the restrictions to some play, children can reap concerns with development.  Awareness and Education to the community and parents are vital.  My kids pediatric doctor incorporates with his annual check-up a questionnaire on electronics.  He educates and makes the children aware, a great asset we all should practice. 

Play is a vital factor for many reasons.  One of the reasons I have always stated, (prior to my knowledge gained thus far) they are only small once and adulthood is not easy, let them enjoy the best years of their life to say.  I enjoyed my childhood playing ball with my friends and all the other activities a child. Play allowed me the opportunity to learn how to establish relationships and communicate with peers that I have taken into adulthood.  I still have friendships from 5 years old, over several decades old.  I am blessed for those relationships and the skills I developed.  I have also learned tolerance and acceptance with working together.  From my experience from the softball team, I have been able to gain great leadership skills and open-mindedness with others opinions.