This blog post talks about five things we can learn -- and relearn -- about relationships by watching children play on the playground.
When I was a kid, I know that the playground taught me a lot of things -- courage and risk-taking, sharing, collaboration in coming up with new games, etc. What did you learn on the playground?
I remember that when I was a child we were allowed the freedom of imaginary play-there were very few video games so our play involved finishing a story or movie we had seen-being the only girl in the neighborhood meant I spent a lot of time playing the "damsel in distress." From this I learn that if I wanted to be the hero I had to create my own story-a policy I use to this day.
When I watch my children play-they also incorporate ideas gleened from books, movies, etc. and transform it so they are the hero of the piece. Thankfully my sons never make thier sister the "damsel" she is always right in the middle of the action-whether it is fighting off alien invaders or taking the castle by storm.
Free play is so important-there are enough rules in everyday life.
So, Go Play Today!
Strangely enough, I feel like I am learning more values on the playground as an adult than I did even as a very playful child. While I certainly enjoy running around and playing as much as (if not a whole lot more than) elementary school-age kids, the playground has provided an opportunity for me to spend time with and interact with my little sisters and my niece. I get to hear all of their stories from school, I get to witness how they cooperate with one another to create imaginary worlds in which they are sailing near pirates or running a locomotive, and I get to see them just be kids. Living in different cities as we do, I really treasure the time I get to spend with them, and the playground often serves as the place where I get to do it.
In a way, the playground is reminding me to appreciate loved ones and enjoy time together. It also reinforces the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, because I need to be quick to be able to keep up with them!
I learned so much on the playground as a child. I learned how to make friends, share, wait my turn, be creative and imaginative, and so much more. I learned only joyful things on the playground and I think most people would say the same. Playgrounds bring children joy which in turn eventually gives everyone happy memories of playgrounds. Everyone loves playgrounds and their past memories of play, and I think it is so important to continue that for kids to come in the future years.
When I was at my childhood home this past weekend I went back and visited a lot of the playgrounds that I played on as a child. The memories came flooding back of my days on the playground. Although many of the playgrounds have been re-done since I used to play on them, I am happy to say that they are all still great places to play for kids today! :)
MJT