Quotes about what play represented to me when I was younger
Whoever wants to understand much must play much.
Gottfried Benn
German physician
1886–1956
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 fosters belonging and encourages cooperation.
Stuart Brown, MD
Contemporary American psychiatrist
Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.
Kay Redfield Jamison
Contemporary American professor of psychiatry
Three of my essential play items when I was younger
This was the popular toy to have as a girl.
My pink bike
The playground
How play was supported
During my childhood years play was something that was expected out of children. My mother would give me one rule in regards to play be in before dinner time. She supported my need to get out and explore by letting me do so. I can remember playing with my friends, I would get on my bike and ride to my best friends house up the street, climb the apple tree in my front yard, walk to the playground around the corner or play with my cabbage patch dolls.
Play today is much different than the play I experienced as a child. In my play days I explored outside, was able to play without parent eyes on me every second, I moved alot from going to the playgrounds and I played everyday. Play is far from this today. Now play has been limited to playing video games, not being able to explore the outside due to violence or parent's fears, having parents eyes on the child every second if a child is at play on the playground (which is good from a adult perspective but horrible from a childs perspective). I hope that play will be given the importance it needs once again in childrens' lives. I hope that children will once again have the freedom to explore, experiment, discover, and build self confidence as I once did through my play.
Role of play throughout childhood and adulthood
Play throughout my childhood helped me to form friendships with others. I was a pretty shy child in school, but once I was at play with others after school in my neighboorhood I opened up and begin to make friends through my play. Play gave me confidence and always pushed me to try new things, such as who could swing the highest and then jump off the swing. Through play I created elaborate imaginary play episodes in my mind that would lead me on daring adventures.
Play throughout my adulthood has helped me imagine things that I had not thought possible then acheiving them. Play throughout adulthood has helped to relieve stress, re-energize me, and helps me remember that life should not just be lived seriously because every one needs time to play.
I enjoyed reading your post and from reading your blog I see that we have some similarities regarding the "push" our mother's gave us to be active. I do agree that play has changed and I just hope that we all can get back to the basics soon.
ReplyDeleteTiffany, you I have similar childhood memories. :-)I can remember playing outside until it was dark and not being able to wait until I could go outside the next day. You're right that play is very different than what we did as children. We used our imagination through play and I just don't see that as much today. Thanks for sharing and I love the picture of the Cabbage Patch Doll.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your quotes and thanks for posting the Cabbage Patch Doll, I played with mine for hours in fact I played with barbies and dolls till I was 14. Kind of a late bloomer, but it kept me out of trouble. Thanks again!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy sister had one of those cabbage patch dolls my brother and I had to search all over town one year to make sure she had it LOL
ReplyDeleteI have always, ever since my children were born engaged in play with my children. Learning that I had to start relieving more stress in my life, I have learned to play more and more in my adult days. It has kept me more healthier and happier and it keeps my children happy as well to be engaged in play with their mother.
ReplyDeleteWe did some of the same things as a child. It seems that we all were able to play outside without someone being right there every step of the way. Things were much safer when we were growing up. Children today can't do that because so much is going on. A lot of children can't even go outside because it's unsafe in their neighborhood.
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