Playing

I’ve been thinking…

About PLAYING!

At this stage of my life, “playing” means golf!

But thinking back when I was a kid, “playing” meant being outside, down at the creek, out in the woods. Exploring and building forts and discovering (there it is again!) the wonders in the world.

Do kids play outside today?  

We live in a world where children playing without adults watching is deemed irresponsible.  But adults can play outside with their children.  Ride bikes!  Go for a hike!  Explore the pond!  Kick around a soccer ball!  Toss a baseball! 

Young John loves to do all of that and more.  But then he will climb in the hammock and swing – and invite me to join him in looking at the sky.  Just relaxing — outside.

It makes me sad that “playing” today is too often about screen time — playing on screens of all sizes from handheld phones to giant tv screens. Kids carry their iPads like they are briefcases. 

I am old enough to remember black and white TV programs, which means I had a mother raised before the era of television.  How she hated television!  She saw it as a great time-waster and a terrible intrusion in social interactions.  

But the Wonderful World of Disney — in particular — was the siren’s song for little eyes and ears.  My mother’s compromise was purposeful watching —only on weekends and limited to special shows.  When the show was over, the TV was turned off.  

We not only survived but thrived — with books and games and yes, lots of time outdoors! 

See Jayne’s activity this month that encourages kids of all ages to get outside for a fun scavenger hunt.  

We encourage you to turn off the screens (adults, that means us, too) and let your imaginations take over.   

Enjoy PLAYING!!