Quotes
Essential Play Items from my Childhood
The Role of Play in my Childhood
People in my life supported play throughout my childhood. Time outside with my neighborhood friends was encouraged. My brother and I frequently engaged in imaginary play outside, pretending to be in the army and/or to be explorers. I grew up on the side of a mountain so we spent a lot of time hiking and building forts. We also played inside creatively with our fisher price action sets (when we were able to get along). I remember spending a lot of time in my room by myself playing with my dolls, pretending to be their mother or their teacher. I feel as though my parents helped to foster my play development by encouraging it through a variety of different avenues including: social outdoor play, game play with structured rules, imaginative play with action figures, as well as solitary play.
Play Today
In some ways play today is similar to play when I was a child in that there are many action sets and many of varieties of dolls which encourage imaginative play. However, with the increase in use of technology, I have observed children playing with toys less and less. Even in my own home, I find myself monitoring electronic time and encouraging game and toy time. In general it seems that children play outside less. I think it's unfortunate to see some of the changes because for many parents it's just easier for them to allow their children to play on phones, tablets, and game systems than it is to help them explore outside, play turn taking games and play with toys. In our home, we strive to promote a balance in play so that our children are able to experience a well-rounded childhood.
Play Throughout life
Play is an essential part of life for children and adults. It's important to find different ways to engage your brain and practice skills outside of your comfort zone. Play allows for children and adults to build social relationships, learn how to compromise, build on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses. To me it's essential to live a balanced life between work and play in order to maintain my own happiness.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteIt’s funny that you mention your love-hate relationship with your brother. I feel completely identified! I love my brother, but sometimes we couldn’t stand each other for the silliest things! But, for the most part, playing together through our childhood helped to create and maintain a strong and healthy relationship. Now, as adults, we go to each other when we have problems. It’s always nice when childhood memories are shared. Unfortunately, with my younger brother (who’s 9 years younger than me) there are no memories of play at all. I was in my teen years when he was growing up so he would play videogames, watch TV, and use the computer by himself. I think it is very important to have people in your life who support your play.
Also, I want to add on your comments on parents giving children phones, tablets and so on. As you said, it is the easiest way to keep them busy! I have three nieces and the three of them love their mother’s cellphone. One of them is just 7 months old and cellphones make her stop crying. Technology is both a blessing and a curse!!
Thanks for sharing,
VILMA
Megan,
ReplyDeleteIt seems as if we have the same experiences as children except my was urban and yours was in the mountains, but you and have the same take on today with youth being taken over by technology devices.
Meg, The picture of cabbage patch dolls just brought me back to when my older sister (who was probably mad at me at the time) told me my doll's hair would grow back if I cut it. I cut it and I got in trouble with my mother!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the importance to find a balance of work and play. We need play in our own lives as much as children do. I'm sure all of us in the course are doing our best to juggle families, work, and fun! Thanks for sharing!
Joyce