September 23, 2016 - 13:14
Play is experienced throughout all stages of life. It is one of the common experiences that humans and animals share. There are many different types of play. For example, a toddler playing with toy cars, a child playing hide-and-seek with classmates, a teenager riding roller coasters with friends, an adult going to a party, or even a senior citizen playing BINGO with friends. Play obviously matters in each stage of life. Many see it as a form of relaxation or as an essential part of growing up. Unfortunately, that is not the shared belief among some people. Certain biologists have defined play as a "purposeless activity" (Henig 4). I oppose that statement. I believe that play is imperative to be experienced in one’s life. But most importantly, the necessary play is the play that is experienced in your childhood. It is of the utmost importance that children play due to its proven physical, mental, and creative benefits for life.
In the article Taking Play Seriously written by Robin Henig, she asserts that play is "more than a way for restless kids to work off steam" or used as an activity for kids who are struggling with their weight in order to "burn off calories". "Play … is a central part of neurological growth and development – one important way that children build complex, skilled, responsive, socially adept and cognitively flexible brains" (3). “It is a chance for young animals to learn and rehearse the skills they will need for the rest of their lives, and to do so in a secure environment, where mistakes will have few consequence” (6). Kids can be whatever they like in their worlds.
But more importantly, Henig argues how parents "fear that time spent playing is time lost to more practical pursuits" (2). It is a fact that today’s children are “missing out on something essential” (2). I have noticed throughout the years that parents are pushing their children to study and work hard for flawless grades; stressing the importance of applying to college at a young age. I have also noticed that this has been occurring early on in life, especially in elementary schools in my hometown. In my academically rigorous school district, parents are known for pushing their children to spend hours studying for their classes and to excel in school. As a child, I was told to do well in school but never forced to study for hours on end. When I worked at a summer camp this past summer, I was shocked as to what one camper told me. "I am so glad that I can play with you today because my parents never let me play outside! I always have to practice math in my work books". I felt sad and angry that this child’s parents are forcing their 8-year-old daughter to study to the point where there is no time for play. Children have a right to play, according to Article 31 of the "Convention on the Rights of the Child", created by UNICEF, it states, "… recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts" (10). Clearly these parents have denied their child the right to play.
Thankfully there are parents who believe that "… play is essential for a child in the process of growing up". A fellow classmate of mine recently shared a positive point of view on play. She stated that playing had helped her become "happy and healthy both mentally and physically". Henig similarly states that this is a time in an animal's life "to learn and rehearse the skills they will need for the rest of their lives" (6). My classmate believed that play fostered her, "… in the way of making me an out-going and optimistic person".
Children learn how to develop friendships and treat others with kindness as a product of playing in groups. As a society, we must continue to encourage the belief that all children must be given time to play. Through play, we acquire the skills needed for adulthood. If it wasn’t for playing in my childhood, I wouldn’t have become the sociable and optimistic young woman that I am today. I would like to thank my imagination for helping me bring out my true self.
WORKS CITED:
Robin Henig, Taking Play Seriously, New York Times (Feb. 17, 2008).
UNICEF, Convention on the Rights of the Child. (1990, September 2). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx