Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Taking Play Seriously - NY Times

The cover story in this week's New York Times Magazine Taking Play Seriously by Robin Marantz Henig has been the focus of so many sessions, emails and questions.

My short answer. PLAY. PLAY. PLAY. PLAY. Play on. Play again. Play some more. Hey - wanna play? Let's play and of course the classic "let's go out and play". I think that just about covers it.

I won't go into the myriad educational, psychological, neurological, sociological or psychosocial reasons here. Any of you who want to discuss that in more depth we can do that during your sessions, workshops etc. But for now, for today, for here and now. Play. Play. Play. Let your children play and as I discussed in my blog post for Daily Life Consulting - Kick Start Self Coaching, you go play too!

Life can be full of serious moments and experiences. At the same time, life can and should be full of play and happiness.

Marlena said this morning during a workshop that she "needs permission" to play. Well, Marlena and all the rest of you who need permission. Poof! I wave my magic wand and give you permission. Whew! Don't you feel better now? And I "give you" permission because the best way your children can learn to play and have fun and enjoy life is if they see you doing it.

Children learn and grow by doing and playing. Same goes for big children and adults.

Enjoy the day your way and don't forget to play along the way,
RK

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Played yesterday for the first time in about a thousand years (that's how long it feels to this sleep deprived mom-of-three)
Thanks for the permission. Hope I get to play again soon.

Anonymous said...

I played all day yesterday in the snow with the kids. It was great. I never would have done it had I not read your post the day before that. I would have had "too much to do", or it would have been "too messy" or "silly" or a million other things.
I loved it. Thanks. Play on!

Anonymous said...

Thanks!