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Play Isn’t Only For Children

It’s important to put the world on hold and just have fun. We are a society starved for play. According to Yankelovich, a company that tracks lifestyle trends, nearly half of today’s parents are too tired to play with their young children in the way the children would like.

Unlike exercise and vitamins, there is no daily recommended dose for play. (Only two states, in fact, mandate school recess.) In this generation, play—the kind that fully engages you and gets you completely swept up in a moment of pure enjoyment and fun—has lost its place in our lives.

Why is play important? It’s nature’s way of training us for what life has in store. Play serves more than 30 developmental functions—from motor skills like running, jumping and balancing to cognitive skills like creativity, logic and problem-solving to self-esteem, says Prof. Gordon Burghardt of the University of Tennessee in his book The Genesis of Animal Play: Testing the Limits.

In the animal world and in ours, play isn’t only for children. Play brings us together, allows us to put the rest of the world on pause and encourages us to laugh. (Research shows that a kindergartner laughs 300 times a day; an adult only 17.) It teaches us trust, cooperation, respect for others, sharing, mastery and many of life’s other lessons. Play is a fundamental need, just like air, water and the five food groups. Yet our current lifestyle makes play a luxury few of us can afford.

We now work nine more hours a week—an entire extra workday—than parents did two decades ago. When we’re not working, we’re plugged in and tuned out. The Family Research Council found that the average parent spends only 38.5 minutes a week in meaningful conversation with his or her children. In contrast, research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that the average child ages 8 to 18 spends 6.5 hours a day using electronic media. It’s as if we’ve delegated the responsibility to engage with our kids to electronic devices.

Thankfully, it’s not too late to add play back into our daily diets. Rather than force it into your day, find ways to inject playful moments into the things you’re already doing. And while it’s important for children to play alone and learn their own sense of self, it’s equally important to create opportunities for families to enjoy the laughter and togetherness that only play brings.

It’s easy to watch your child play from the couch but not as much fun as on the carpet — for either of you! Build with bricks, wriggle like a snake, be a pony—all at thier level. Return to your childhood. Many of the things that you loved as a kid are still fun to do with your youngsters, and you already know the rules! Take it outside. Turn a nature walk into a treasure hunt. Throw a ball or a Frisbee. Play hide-and-seek in the yard. Read with your kids, sing with them in the car, cook together.

Laughter and togetherness are key to our health, growth and relationships. They’re the fabric that holds us together as families, and it’s up to us to keep them strong and intact. The world needs more shining moments every day. So, come on! Let’s get on the carpet and play!

Embrace your inner kid You don’t need a station wagon, a room full of toys or even children to feel the glow that comes with play. This Year, Become a Master! Every year, pick something fun to master. Things that are as much fun to learn as they are to enjoy and share. Make this year your year for Frisbee, dancing, knitting or the guitar. Get Sandy! Next time you’re on the beach, put down the book, build a sand castle and make it awesome! Or just ride the waves. You’ll be giggling in no time! Movie Matinee Madness. On Sunday, forget the newspaper. Rent your favorite childhood movies for a daylong flashback matinee. Pop corn. Stay in your jammies. Get a sleeping bag, snuggle up, watch some of your favorite childhood movies and remember what it felt like to watch Star Wars, E.T. and Grease for the first time. Swing for the Stars. Go to the playground at dusk and swing as high as you can. With the air on your face and feet toward the sky, you won’t stop laughing. Get a Kick Out of Romance. On your next date, go to the park and kick leaves together. People may look at you funny, but it’s a good When Harry Met Sally moment, and that hug and kiss…oh my.

The concept of play changes dramatically at adolescence (11-18 years), and manifests itself as competitive games and sports as well as other play events that foster social contact.

Young adults (18-34 years) love to play. There’s no better way to relax and relieve the stress of higher education, careers, and family. Regular exercise and play have been shown to help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, back pain, and bad moods.

Experts generally recommend 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-4 times per week. Several researchers, such as Dr. Michael Frisch from Baylor University, have found that being playful is linked to fewer bouts of depression and anxiety.

Hobbies and fun activities not only bring happiness, but relaxation and the relief of stress as well. Playful hobbies, such as gardening, photography, scrapbooking, aquariums, puzzles, drawing, painting, knitting, sewing, listening to music or playing an instrument, reading, writing, poetry, and taking mini-vacations are some ways to play as an adult.

Physical exercise is essential to help counter the aches and pains that suddenly pop up at this time of life (35-60 years). Stress relievers such as yoga can help counter such health concerns as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and menopause, as well as maintain joint and muscle flexibility.

Hobbies remain important in keeping one’s brain active by becoming engrossed in an activity of enjoyment and concentration. To maintain a well-functioning brain and ward off degenerative brain diseases and age-related mental decline, continual learning and mental exercises are essential. Soduku, crossword puzzles, and simple puzzles can be done alone or socializing with a group.

Older adults (60+ years) love to play. Spending time with family and friends continues to be a wonderful way to remain connected to the richness of life. When younger and older generations play together, there are opportunities to build relationships and make positive connections, stimulating creativity and personal development.

Being a grandparent means different things to different people, but generally, there is a sense of continuity and emotional self-fulfillment. Becoming part of a grandchild’s play means being creative and rediscovering the child inside of you. The wonderful thing about play is that everyone is successful at it. Relax and make it a time to feel good about yourself and your family.

Mental fitness is similar to physical fitness; therefore, it is like any muscle—“Use it or lose it.” Group activities, such as golf, tennis, bridge, card games, checkers, running, walking, and continuing education, help the brain and body remain fit. Indoor activities include sewing, quilting, woodcrafts, refinishing furniture, puzzles, writing, listening to music, and so many more.

Richard Feynman, an American physicist said, "Play is hard to maintain as you get older. You get less playful. You shouldn’t, of course." Do you remember what it’s like to play with the abandon of a schoolchild? Chances are you don’t. Adults can forget that playing and having fun is just as important as working hard and being responsible.

Whether you’re six or sixty, play is critical to your happiness and stress level. You should make time to do something fun every day—if only for a few minutes. When you get inspired by a fun hobby or activity, your brain slows down and goes into a semi-hypnotic state which makes you feel in the “flow” where you lose track of time and feel relaxed. The most creative moments often happen during this time. And who knows? You just might be able to turn your favorite hobby into a career and end up with a lifestyle where work is actually play!

Richard Tait. Let’s Play. PARADE Magazine. Publication Date: 07/18/2006.

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