"My Connections to Play"

     I have seen a dramatic change in the growing up know compared to when I was a child.  During my childhood, we had no choice but to go outside and play.  We were used to doing it and therefore it wasn't a problem.  My cousins and I saw each other everyday because we walked to my grandmother's house after school.  We would always try to get homework done at school so we would be able to play with children next door. We had boundaries regarding how far we could go but we were never to be alone.  As a result of playing, we don't have health issues.  My grandmother cooked for us everyday so we would eat and play. 
     Video games were not at popular as they are now.  Cabbage Patch dolls, hopscotch, and bike riding was something that we did on a routine basis. 
 

 “Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.”

 ~ Abraham Maslow

 

     I agree completely with this quote because we always found thing to do. We would act as if we were cooking,teaching, etc.  There was no sitting around while grown up talked and if you came inside, it was for either to use the restroom or get something to drink.  I don't thing that children spend enough time physically playing.  Technology is advancing so rapidly, that is why there is an increase in obesity in children.  My husband and I encourage our children to be active for health reasons. 

 

“Play builds the kind of free-and-easy, try-it-out, do-it-yourself character that our future needs.”

 ~ James L. Hymes Jr,

 

     I think that each individual is different. Starting children out with play at a younger age give them the opportunity to explore and create.  Assess what type of activities they enjoy doing that can be used to encourage children to put forth the same effort in education that is important in life.  Until more parents start taking the initiative, this is going to continue to be a revolving issue.