My Connections to Play

Like our regular "9-5" is to us, play is to a child. It's their job; it's their life. Play is a child's creative way of learning.

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori

"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

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers

            

As a child, I played in the neighborhood with cousins and neighbors. The park was too far away so we would come together and just play with each other's toys. We played lots of games and even created a few of our own. We would also have sleepovers at each other's houses. I like to reflect on these memories and I am now 24 years old.

Play is not as it used to be when I was a child. Children aren't outside playing like they used to. Also you have the fear of a child being kidnapped. When I was coming up we really didn't have that issue. However, I take my children out to play and it is ALWAYS supervised. Still, children do NOT play the way they used to. Parents try to be choosy as to who their children can call playmates and things of that nature. I know that I am going to give my children the same childhood, if not, the best childhood they will remember.

I learned a lot of skills through play as a child. My social skills improved and I learned not to be afraid to experiment with things. I also learned not to hold back with anything. These lessons still go with me to this day. I am grateful for my childhood and I hope to give my children an unforgettable experience.