Do YOU Play?

Why do children play? Children use play as a way to relieve their stress and take some time out from chores or academics. It is an essential in keeping the child happy and healthy (physically and emotionally.) It is there learning tool. It is important for parents and caregivers to provide opportunities for children to play.

Association of Childhood Education International has recently published a paper: "Play: Essential for all Children" The article contains the following statement:

"Children are growing up in a rapidly changing world characterized by dramatic shifts in what all children are expected to know and be able to do. Higher and tougher standards of learning for all populations of students are focusing on a narrow view of learning. Consequently, students have less time and opportunity to play than did children of previous generations. Few would disagree that the primary goal of education is student learning and that all educators, families, and policymakers bear the responsibility of making learning accessible to all children. Decades of research has documented that play has a crucial role in the optimal growth, learning, and development of children from infancy through adolescence. Yet, this need is being challenged, and so children's right to play must be defended by all adults, especially educators and parents. The time has come to advocate strongly in support of play for all children."

The entire article can be accessed here: http://www.acei.org/playpaper.htm

If you are convinced that children need to play then read further otherwise go back and read the article above.

Here is a thought I was thinking about the other day. Why don't some adults play... Isn't playing necessary for adults to relieve their stress and help them take some time out from chores and work.

I believe that play is essential for keeping 'everyone' happy and healthy (physically and emotionally.) We are forced to grow up in this rapidly changing world and we set higher expectations for ourselves. We wake up every morning and run around the world trying to achieve something and we forget ourselves. Why do we not take care of ourselves? I believe that most adults suffer from depression, anxiety and stress because we have forgotten to play.

So lets be kids again. Pick up a mystery book to read instead of Fortune Magazine once in a while. Paint. Dance. Sing. Play a computer game online. Buy yourself a Wii (I did and its tons of fun.) Host a games night at your place instead of a boring dinner party where people gather to talk about politics or cooking. Play a sport. Your brain needs a stress buster and play is the way to go (according to me anyway.)

So here is my summary: Let me know if you agree with me or not. Play leads to happiness and happiness leads to satisfaction and self satisfaction leads to confidence and confidence leads back to happiness. So the way to start the cycle going is to start playing. Become a child again.

"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional (Preach it!)"