My Connections to Play

"Some days are simply meant for playing." -Mary Anne Radmacher 

"Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity." -Unknown

These two quotes summarize what play represented for me in childhood because I was always playing, whether it was inside or outside. 

Playdoh, Cabbage Patch baby dolls, and Barbie dolls were some of my favorite play items when I was younger. I would make all sorts of things with the Playdoh, like pizzas, snowmen, and other different shapes. I would play mommy with my Cabbage Patch baby dolls. I did all sorts of different things with my Barbie dolls- took them in the pool and bathtub, drove them around in their Barbie car, and played school. 

People supported play when I was younger by encouraging me to play and playing with me. I was always playing with toys inside or playing outside with my friends or even just by myself. Playing gave me a chance to use my imagination and have fun. 

I feel that play today is different from when I was younger. Kids do not seem to be outside playing as much. Instead, they are on playing on computers and tablets, playing video games, or watching TV. While we had these things when I was younger, we were not attached to them. We still played outside, had games of Red Rover, rode our bikes, and played with our toys. Technology has become a big part of children's environments and play seems less important. My hope is that children will find the joy in playing again, be encouraged to play more outside, and be more active because play is so important to development. 

The role of play throughout my life and childhood let me use my imagination and socialize with my friends. Play also helped me develop social skills and learn to get along with others, which are important throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.