My Connections to Play

"A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartache. Whatever you wish for, you keep." ~Cinderella




Not all kids play the same. We are all unique in how we act out our stories, engage with fantasy, walk through the world, and embrace our imaginations. As these truths exist, so too does the truth that Play, in whatever form, is a necessity and right.

The only ESSENTIAL item I needed for play was my imagination. I loved playing with others who liked to act out imaginary worlds or our favorite books and characters, Anyone who could delve deep into the fantasy world was my ideal playmate. I also loved playing alone. The solitude brought me peace and my imagination would go wild. I had an interesting habit of simply closing my eyes and sitting there for extended periods of time making up stories in my mind's eye.
I find it fascinating how differently each child plays. I remember my middle sister being very active. She was more interested in playing running games than acting out stories. She tired of playing dolls with me, and could cuddle animals for hours. My youngest sister loves to talk. She loved wandering and exploring with friends and creating artsy crafts all the time. We were all very supported in our playtime growing up. I remember having ample freedom to create and explore outside and in, as well as plenty of privacy when wanting to play in my room. I was very respected in my love of certain movies and shows, and the toys and dolls I held dear to my heart were treated carefully and displayed.

Though I emphasize that all I needed was my imagination as an essential item in play, there are plenty of items that have added RICHNESS. Being given the chances to play in woods, meadows, lakes, and other nature areas were priceless. Music brought emotion and stories out through dance and song. Toys and dolls always added more flavor. Books, games, and movies brought me into other's stories and taught me more about myself and my world. I am not anti toys and electronics at all, and have found a world of joy amongst the ones that resonated with me throughout my life. I don't know how play has changed between the years of my childhood and now, per se. Every family is so different. There are different toys, games, and stories, as well as very similar ones. Children still absorb what calls to them, and still are attracted to playing the way their bodies and minds are naturally wired. As I said, it's all about what the family provides both materially, physically, emotionally, and verbally.

 

My true hope for children, is that families will respect all their curiosities and try to let go of any adult fears, prejudices, and judgments in regard to the child's desires. Inspiration comes from the unlikeliest of places, and if a child's curiosity and joy is stirred, it's always important and precious.
Play in adults AND children reduces stress, brings joy, cultivates wonder and creativity, unwinds our confusions and questions, expresses our humanity, helps us explore the unimaginable safely, helps us touch our emotions, bonds, and HEALS.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. ~Albert Einstein