Module 2, Play is For Everyone

The main thing I gained from this module was the importance of play and how play is not just for children but people of all ages.  Without play in our lives, no matter our age, it can have detrimental effects on us. 

I look at our school districts these days, the demands they place on children from a very young age, the push to have children learning skills earlier in life, which sadly takes out the time for play.  The stress on teachers, the children, their parents can't always be a good thing.  Education is important, but at what point did intentional play not classify as education.  There is a place, time, and purpose to play if facilitated correctly and planned to help with a child's developmental skills.  There is also a purpose for play when talking about adults. 

This is an all too familiar situation for adults, they have a lot of "hats" or in this case "name tags" to wear in life without having much time for play.  Adults need time to do things they enjoy, most of the time we like to call the hobbies.  Having a hobby is a very healthy and important thing to have, something you like to do that relieves stress and makes you happy.

Everyone needs time to play, have fun, and take a break from all the world demands of them.  So I encourage everyone, no matter your age to have that balance between work and play and know that play is something that no one can really live without!


Here's a quick snap shot I took today of my 56 year old father in play with my son.  I find it amazing of how much joy playing with his grandson can bring to his life that sometimes can be very stressful.