My Connections to Play

Some favorite quotes about childhood and play

• “A child plays so as an old man he can be wise” Joey Novick
• “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)
• “Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” Friedrich Froebel (founder of the concept of kindergarten)

When I was young, my favorite activity was to play outside with the neighbor kids.  We would play in the wooded area in the middle of our block or on our porch.  We used to play house, school, ride bikes, and when we were older, is was Barbie’s, acting out shows, and riding our bikes around town.

My mom supported my play by letting my sister and I go for hours without interfering in what we were doing.  She didn’t keep a constant eye on us which allowed us the freedom to explore.  She trusted our neighbors to watch out for us.   The neighbors allowed us to play in their yards.

Play today vs. play then

Play is very different today than it was when I was a kid.  So many of today’s toys seem close ended. On a recent trip to Toys R Us, I couldn’t find a Lego set that was just pieces.  All the sets seemed to have a finished product rather than just the freedom to create whatever you want.  Toys are also more electronic than when I was a kid.  Another big change is that what my mom did by letting us roam would today be seen as neglect. 

The role of play in my life

The role of play has always been important throughout my life.  I have tried to incorporate play in every job I’ve had.  I also have very playful relationships with my friends.  I think this benefited me because it helped me enjoy my work (no matter what it was) and to build relationships with others.  I am comfortable with many different types of people and able to relate to them.  I think that the role of play has allowed me to be adventurous and try new things.