Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.
Stuart Brown, MD
Contemporary American psychiatrist
A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.
Benjamin Spock
American pediatrician
1903–1998
When I was younger, I often heard (and dreaded when) my father would say "you and your brother need to go do something constructive with your time." Most of the time Brian and I went outside, stared at each other for awhile then BAM! one of our imaginations would explode into crazy games often requiring us to gather whatever materials we could find in the garage. With those items we would build forts, castles, skateboard ramps, try to climb trees or a favorite game "Honey, We Shrunk The Kids.". More often than not my dad would provide us with some tools and wood so we could build our own stuff. He and my mom watched numerous plays or acrobatic shows we put on, pretended to eat the "delicious food" we made with whatever food ingredients we food in the kitchen, or sometimes just sat with us and played Mario Bros on Nintendo.
Nowadays, I feel like kids do not get the chance to just go outside and explore their surroundings.
Kids don't know what it's like to be able to be outside all day playing tag with their friends or jail break when it gets dark, and knowing when the street lights come on its time to come home. Children don't get the opportunity to truly use their imagination without the aid of technology. I hope children get back to a time when it is safe to play outside all day, where play means going outside and playing and not sitting in front of a tv.
Kids don't know what it's like to be able to be outside all day playing tag with their friends or jail break when it gets dark, and knowing when the street lights come on its time to come home. Children don't get the opportunity to truly use their imagination without the aid of technology. I hope children get back to a time when it is safe to play outside all day, where play means going outside and playing and not sitting in front of a tv.
Playing for me as a kid got harder as I got older because I would rather read a book or hang out with the adults then kids my age. But I love the fact that my parents encouraged me to play and have lots of friends because I have wonderful childhood memories and I use those memories to remind me to
relax and enjoy life as a child sometimes.
relax and enjoy life as a child sometimes.
My favorite toys as a child....
Books!
Polly Pocket which I filled with lady bugs :)
5 comments:
It sounds like you were very creative as a child. "Honey, I Shrunk the kids" is a great movie. I grew up with girls so we were not adventurous enough to build a skate board ramp.It is so true that being outside is more constructive than sitting inside watching television and playing video games. Children today don't appreciate the many lessons that nature and the imagination offer.
I love your first quote!! I have favorite quotes that I post all over my office and I think I will add this one.
I hope that some day it will be safe for children to play outside all day, but I am not sure we will ever see those days again. Like I said in my blog, I am not sure if it is actually more dangerous than when we were kids or if we are just more aware of the bad things because it is reported more. Regardless, my boys will never be outside without my eyes on them at all times.
Amber,
It’s great to hear that about how supportive your parents were about your play as a child. It sounds like you and your brother had some great times together! You got the chance to be creative and experience and work with natural materials such as wood, something not many children experience anymore. I agree that children nowadays don’t have the chance to truly use their imagination without the interference of technology.
Thinking about factors that have affected the changing nature of play, I also realized that increasing concerns about safety is a factor preventing children from enjoying the freedom to play outside on their own as we did. I would love for my daughter to be able to be outside as much as she wants just like I did. It’s a struggle, because I don’t want her to be alone unsupervised but at the same time I am unable to be with her every time she wants to. I am glad that you find such joy in your childhood memories, looking back at my childhood was very refreshing for me as well.
I think because the news is filled with terrible stories about children and my obsession with watching crime shows, I am more cautious and suspicious! I am sure when I begin having children I will be very protective.
I think about when Brian and I would play "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids", we must have looked ridiculous. Crawling through the grass, digging in the dirt, calling each other's names. My father enjoyed playtime as much as we did! One year after a blizzard he created a huge snow fort and igloo in our front yard. Inside he put chairs and carpet squares with lanterns so we could play, it was awesome!
Hi Amber I loved reading your post! Your dad sounds a lot like my dad. My dad would also tell myself and my siblings to go outside to find something constructive to do with our time. That's what is all about using imagination and creativity t explore and learn about the world around you!
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