Play, Play, Play, and Pass

I truly believe that our children need to play-regardless of functioning level, background, culture, or gender-ALL CHILDREN.  I also believe it is our job as adults in the lives of children to make sure those opportunities are available.  Finally, I believe that some people think play is the activities that kids do online or sitting in front their X-Box. 

Don’t get me wrong, technology has a very important place in the lives of our children and we actually use the X-Box 360 with Kinnect in one of our social skills groups.  Yet I do not believe kids need to be walking around with their noses in DS systems, then again we adults don’t need to be as immersed in our smartphones as we are (yes, I am including myself in this group).  I can’t walk and chew gum, never mind reading or typing while walking.  I was happy for the chance to take my daughters to the playground in Groton last week yet was very sad to see three out of the five adults either talking, texting or facebooking while their children ran around.  Get off the phone!  Multitasking is something we need to learn more about – the time we lose by trying to multitask makes us less efficient and LESS productive (another blog we will talk about the research about multitasking and its effects on our society). 

Play  defined by dictionary.com:

Noun- exercise or activity for amusement or recreation

Verb - to exercise or employ oneself in diversion, amusement, or recreation, to do something that is not to be taken seriously, and to amuse oneself. 

Note that in both definitions you will find the word exercise.  As a former special education teacher I remember one of my biggest challenges, getting my students to exercise in a way that I thought was exercise.  Yet my students loved walking, playing ball, riding their bike, etc.  Do we as adults need to look at our expectations of what we think play is for kids?  Should we gently guide, playfully engage, and listen to kids when it comes to increasing how they connect with each other through play?

Play is how children learn about their world. 

Which brings up more questions

• If we control play are we trying to let kids know that we must control the way they learn as well?  
• What if they don’t learn like we do? 
• If a child does not have the opportunity to play in the formative years are we actually making them less available for learning later in life?

Brian, are you saying what I think you are saying? Yes I am and I look forward to people telling me otherwise.

We need to play!  We need to playfully engage! Do not control that experience for children.  I honestly believe that all children can and should play.  Would more opportunities to play address bullying in schools?  If given the proper accomodations would children with various disabilities maximize their potential? If children who live through various forms of trauma were encouraged to play and received support in those experiences by loving adults, would positive behaviors increase? 

During the upcoming posts I would like to talk about the value of play for us, our kids, and our loved ones – yes we need to take care of each other and a playful approach is very very valuable.

The questions have laid the foundation for the next post – A Playful Approach to the Crisis Our Children Manage Everyday

Until then - Play on my friends, play on.....

About Brian

Who am I and what do I do?

I am the father of three children, husband to a very special woman, and work as a Social entrepeneur supporting children with disabilities, the families who love them, and professionals who serve them.

I was born and raised in Southeastern CT (Hanover to be exact).  Went to Hofstra University and graduated with an interest in developmental psychology.  After interning and becoming a certified Special Education teacher.  For ten years I worked as a special education teacher, district behavior consultant, and assistive technology coordinator.  The work was rewarding yet I always believed I could have a positive impact on more than 5-10 families a year. 

In July of 2009 I left teaching to create a better life for my family and reach for my dream to be an effective positive influence on familes, school districts, and service providers across the region.

Early in 2009 Synergy Center was created, followed by Sensations Charitable Foundation as vehicles to support families with social, emotional, and behavioral needs.  Since their creation we have made a positive difference in the lives of more than 150 families, teachers, and service providers.

Working with Patch is an opportunity to continue our work and connect people to information and services their families need to be their best, yet may not find in through typical channels.  As I say to people who either help our cause or come to us for support - Let's Play!