Childhood Connections to Play

"It is in playing, and only in playing, that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self." D.W. Winnicott, British pediatrician

“Play energizes us and enlivens us.  It eases our burdens.  It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens up to new possibilities.” Stuart Brown, MD Contemporary American Psychiatrist

Growing up I felt that my parents gave me the opportunity to play during my childhood.  My parents encouraged my sisters and me to go outside and play.  My parents did not want us spending the day “vegetating” in front of the television all day.  Once outside I remember enjoying running around outside with my friends and siblings.  We would play games such as hide and seek, tag and red rover.  We would also ride our bikes up and down the neighborhood.  I remember placing cards in the spikes of the tire to make the motorcycle sound.  The only rule my parents had with us playing outside was to be in before it got dark.  My parents also encouraged us to play freely with toys like Barbie dolls and art materials.  I felt that my parents helped facilitate the importance of play growing up by ensuring we had items to use our imagination.  My mom would play along with us with our Barbie dolls and other toys.  My dad was great for taking us outside for family bike rides.  

Having the opportunity to ride outside, especially on sunny days was my favorite thing to do.  I loved being outside and exploring nature.

         

 
 

I enjoyed drawing pictures.  Especially

cartoons,.

                                                                                        

I loved barbies.  My favorite was to be mommy.

 

                                                                                               

       Play today still occurs but at a different level.  I feel that children play with items that take away their imagination.  Children are playing more with video games, tablets, and cell phones.  When I observe children in my neighborhood I do not see as many children outside riding bikes or playing outdoor games.  Granted growing up as I child I did not have access to the electronics of children today but I was encouraged by my parents to be outside to play.  I also think part of the change for encouraging children to play outside freely is due to parents feeling less secure in the child’s environment.  I feel that having the freedom to play with material that increased my imagination and physical activity helped me into my adulthood.  When I need to escape from stress I go outside for a nice bike ride.  I truly feel that I am reenergized when I come back home.  I hope is that play continues to be important in children’s development.  The tools children gain from play I feel will help them once they reach adulthood by relying on things that make them happy.