Let Them Be Children - Let Them Play (Redux)

I have had the pleasure of having my granddaughters with us for the last several days. They are 7 and 9, and are constantly on the move. We have had fun going to the beach, the movies, riding on the boat and playing in the lake. As I have watched them I remembered this blog from several years ago and felt it was worth repeating. I think we sometimes forget that they are children and may need to remind ourselves how important play is in their development. So here it is again ...….

Obviously I embrace technology as I use it on a daily basis. It has many wonderful applications which enable us to learn and be aware of what is happening in the world around us. Used wisely it is invaluable, and as an adult we can determine what wise use is. As a young child they cannot make that determination and often spend far too much time involved in this activity. They should be introduced to it, but it is only part of what they need to learn. 

There are those who will totally disagree with me, but I think it is time to ensure our children are not using technology for hours at a time. I can't help but believe that their brains are being overstimulated by frequent use, and then we wonder why they cannot slow down and easily participate in life when they walk away from whatever techie gadget they have been using. Many ask themselves why their child has trouble interacting socially and does not play as well with others as they should. How can they learn this if they are getting gratification from solitary play. 

As important as knowledge and technology are, old fashioned child's play is just as important. While playing with other children they learn how to properly interact with others, how to make compromises, how to share, and how to use their imaginations. When I think of the hours and hours we spent playing as children and of the lessons learned, I know how important that time was in learning about life.  

I am not a scientist, child psychiatrist or psychologist so my observations have no research behind them. However over the last twenty years the instances of diagnosed ADHD have risen immensely. I have first hand knowledge of ADHD as my grandson was diagnosed several years ago. I know that if he spends time playing outside that his ability to focus and interact improves. Too much time with TV, computers or video games and he gets wound up. His mother (my daughter) was extremely active as a child, however they did not label her back then. They just informed me that I had a very busy, active child who at times had trouble focusing and paying attention. My solution was to ensure she and her sister spent as much time playing outside as possible to burn off the excess energy. Through this play they learned all the social skills that come with it, and also grew to have a great love of the outdoors. They did not have use of all the technology that is available today and yet they still flourished intellectually.  

We should encourage our children to engage in playing with others. To learn to use their imaginations and dream of being whatever their heart and mind desires. As they play the places they see themselves going will be limitless. We need to let children be children, so they become well-rounded adults.