Let the Children Play!

Our children need to play more! Get them outside in the fresh air and let them play! As parents we think of lots of activities for our kids, and they usually involve a class or a team -- organized activities. I was going to write a blog on Things to Do in the Summer – ideas for keeping kids busy. This TED Talk that I watched changed my whole focus…

Dr. Peter Grey of Boston College does research on the value and effects of play. His focus is the biological and anthropological perspective, but he drives home the application of his research to kids today. Here’s the link to the Talk so you can see for yourself. He makes a great argument for more time for kids to play!

Here are some of my thoughts after viewing his presentation. He points out the dilemma we have in our country with increased time spent in school and the rise in childhood anxiety and depression. His research supports the view that it is the lack of free play that makes the difference.

Think back to the 50’s (if you can). I don’t have any recollection of doing homework. I think that’s because we didn’t have any! We had recesses and played outside at lunch. We didn’t have a jungle gym or sports equipment. We had a parking lot that became a setting for a myriad of make-believe games. We developed rules for games and learned to negotiate and compromise. We played hopscotch and tag and jump rope. These are great memories!

After school, we went home after our 6-hour day and --- played! All the neighborhood kids met outside and decided what we would play that day. The neighborhood became one huge playground. The most organized we became was after dinner when our side yard became a whiffle ball field – my father was “permanent pitcher” (that cut out a lot of arguments) and the neighborhood kids just drew up teams and played! I don’t think he intervened unless he had to – and that was to say, “Come on! Let’s play ball!” – so we quickly learned to follow the agreed-upon rules.

A few years ago, my sisters and I visited the old neighborhood (which wasn’t so huge after all), we as we looked at the forsythia bush in our old side yard, we chimed in, “Home plate.” That’s a ballpark that won’t ever change in my mind! In retrospect, the interesting thing is that none of the parents came out to watch and cheer and stick up for their kids if they were called out at the plate – they just trusted us to play fair and settle our differences. Interesting concept!

As you approach summer with your children, think about ways you can encourage your children to play – without adult direction or intervention. Get them outside. Give them lots of time to play with other children. Buy them board games, not electronics. Do you have jacks, playing cards, and pick-up sticks in your home? They are throw-back games to us, but they are a whole new world for many of today’s kids. There are fabulous games that require critical thinking – like Risk, Life, Chess, and Battleship. Educational games can be good, but be careful because some are just too complicated. Let your kids have some say in the choices. Remember that there is a benefit to being the parent -- and treat yourself to your favorite – Monopoly or Clue, anyone?

I am a big fan of The First Week of Summer Vacation! First of all, let the kids sleep in – no alarm clocks (unless they have swim practice – and then you can let them come home and take naps). Let them make their favorite breakfast, even if they make a mess in the kitchen. Schedule two very special trips – one to the Library to pick out books that interest them – no required reading for school/homework! And the second trip is to the toy store for a few summer games that will spark their interest. (Mid-way through the summer you can replenish the game supply, so don't go overboard at first.) Then for the rest of the week, let them do whatever they want at home. Give them a break from the rat race of running here and there with schedules and deadlines. Once they have chilled out a little, they will be ready for some museum adventures or short trips.

One important caveat – keep our precious children safe. Times have changed a little since the 1950's – so you will have to work with other adults to make their play area safe and appropriately monitored. The good news is that when you are there, you don’t need to run the show. Let them play!

Blessings,
Barb

PS If you have a favorite game, you can share it here!