As a child, play was always a part of my day. Whether I played with my friends at school, in the fields surrounding my house, or in my room with my sister, play was an integral component of my life. Play for me involved blocks, dolls, cars, sticks, rocks, bugs, and really anything else that I could safely get my hands on. I also remember always being on the lookout for potential items that may help me design and build my latest living-room fort. Play was always allowed and encouraged in my home. Play began once homework was finished and didn’t end for my sister and me until the sun went down, or it was time for dinner. When my sister and I were growing up, video games and television had not yet reached our stream of consciousness. Television was something that was viewed as a family, spending our evenings watching shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Family Ties.” TV was more of a quiet way to end the day than a means of entertainment. So with all of these great memories from my childhood stemming from play, it saddens me to think that children today are not indulging in this essential developmental activity. Children are missing out on experiencing their creativity and imagination in its purest form when they are not given the opportunity to play.
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “My children play. They play all day! I can hardly even get them to come to dinner because they are playing their video games!” Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but video games are not considered play. When children engage in a video game they are using the left frontal lobe of their brain, located in the brain’s left hemisphere. The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for strategic thinking and problem solving. While video games in small doses may actually be quite helpful in developing these essential skills, they are still not considered play. When a child is truly engaged in play they are using the right hemisphere of their brain. The right hemisphere is responsible for leading us through our more creative endeavors. It is believed to be most active when we are dancing, painting, singing and…you guessed it…playing!
By now you are probably wondering, “Ok, I get it. My kids should be playing more, but what exactly is play?” Play, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a “recreational activity, especially the spontaneous activity of children.” It is any unstructured activity that gives children the ability to create and imagine in grandiose proportions. True play is open-ended where there are countless possibilities. Play sessions can begin with a number of different materials. Blocks with cars, action figures with Legos, play-doh with plastic utensils, pens and/or scissors with paper would all be the perfect vessels for play. With young children, you may even have to get involved in their play. Your guidance will help them to realize how the items in front of them could potentially be used, leading them to later develop other more creative play possibilities. For your older children, it may be a pen and a journal, some sculpting clay, or maybe even an erector set that will allow them to continue to engage in play as they grow. By remaining in tune with your child’s abilities and needs, you will always be able to provide for them the items they need to truly play.
Children of all ages should be given the opportunity to play each and every day. This true play is meant to take place at home under the supervision of a parent. It is in this environment where children feel most safe and can be expected to be their most creative selves.
Next time your child goes to school take a few moments to set up for them a situation in which they will be able to engage in true play. When they get home, watch as their faces light up with excitement as the play possibilities start rushing through their creative minds. Should your child not respond in the manner you had hoped, try something different the next time. It may take a few tries before you find the perfect vessels of play for your child.
A child that is given the time to play, will not only be a happier child, but will be by nature a more creative child, becoming innately attuned to their own capabilities. This creative intuition will remain with them throughout their lives leading them in a direction that consistently leads to fulfillment. Never underestimate the power of play!
Should you find that you are having difficulty in creating the perfect play scenario for your child, please feel free to e-mail me at meghan@fusionkids.com. Good luck and have fun!
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