Essential Items
In the early years of my childhood, my parents encouraged me to play outdoors with the children that lived next door. However they were very mindful of the kind of company I was around. Majority of the play I engaged in were social play which I think suited my personality as I enjoy interacting with people. Play was a time for me to explore and interact with people other than my family members. However, as time went by, security and cultural tensions increased in my country, so my parents never wanted me to be outside if it could be avoided.
I think play has evolved greatly especially the outdoor play. In my childhood days, we climbed trees, rode tyres, caught grasshoppers and even lady birds. I have observed that as a result of urbanisation, there are fewer trees and other nature related activities for children to engage in are almost disappearing unless one lived in the country side. Children from low income earning families still have to use their imaginations to play because they have to make use of the things available to them.
My hope for children is that their parents allow them to play in a less mentally demanding way. As a result of increasing academic competitiveness, parents engage their children in so much just so they can be ahead of the next child. Even during the school vacations, children get enrolled in classes thereby leaving them with no time to relax and get their mental state ready for the next school term.
As a mother to toddlers, I have learned again how to play again, let go of my insecurities and just have fun. Quite recently at the park, someone had drawn the pattern for the hopscotch game on the floor. I had so much fun on it and I could see the delight in my children's faces when we all tried it as it was a new experience for them.
Adiele, I agree that people can never get too old to play children games. Playing children games keep adults young and active. Children nowadays need to have as much play time as possible so that they can avoid stress.
ReplyDeleteAdiele,
ReplyDeleteI'm finding that my daughter enjoys playing outside with her neighborhood friends a lot more than technology, which is surprising to me. They ride their bikes to the neighborhood playground, go swimming, and create lots of random adventures outside. Like your parents, I too worry about her safety. I recently bought her a watch that has GPS tracking on it, and she and I are able to call each other through it. I'm trying to give her the freedom I had as a child, while also working to keep her safe.
Jamie
Adiele, playing on purpose is essential to children's creativity and growth. I wish for the days when children are able to go outside to play again, to gain better social skills through direct communication.
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