  Play should be a major part of everyone's life. Why do so many of us believe that once we are past our childhood, play has no place in our lives? Having fun and playing is part of life, hopefully from beginning to end, and many times in between. Children are the masters of playing and having fun. They embody this ability naturally. Adults have to work at it, and we could learn a thing or two from them.
When children play, they experience a wealth of concepts. When playing alone, they learn individualism, self-improvement ("I like this game! and Can I do better than I did last time?"). When playing with others they can be exposed to healthy competition and teamwork ("We can win if we work together”) Playing can drive curiosity. "How can we make this game better, faster, easier/harder to win?" Some kids take games/toys apart not necessarily because they are destructive, but they what to know how it works. My curiosity extended to my Great Grandmother's radio, the oven door, my uncle's transistor radio and the family living room clock. My Great Grandparents thought it would be a great idea to give me my very own (real) 8 oz. Claw Hammer, flat head & Phillip's screwdrivers. Once a month I went around the house making sure every nail was hammered and every screw was tightened, at least the ones a 4 -6-year-old could reach. I can't imagine why I love taking computers apart and rebuilding them 😉. As adults many of us erroneously believe that play is just for kids. Wrong!!! Play is for everyone! It inspires laughter and bonding. When our grandkids were little, my wife would play football, basketball, and fly kites with them. While I may be a bit physically challenged, I have had my share of R/C car races, Nerf Rocket launches, and I play a mean round of indoor balloon volleyball. Once, when our daughter was little the two of us got in big trouble for having a water gun fight in the house. She made us stop just because an itty-bitty drop of water ALMOST landed on the drafting drawing homework my wife had been working on for a few hours😲. For adults and children there are many ways to play, physically, mentally, verbally etc. Each one has its own advantages. Playing catch, running, jumping, rolling down a hill or even walking can be fun, and it keeps us mobile, strong, and flexible. Strategic games, Word games and puzzles keep our minds sharp by inspiring problem solving, increasing our vocabulary and shape recognition. Verbal games like 20 questions, Truth or dare, the license plate game (think long road trip with young kids and no electronics) They spark conversations and improve the thought process and communication. Billiards uses geometry! Even video games have benefits… improved manual dexterity, problem solving. You don't think so…then you figure out how to cross the lava pit - save the girl - change weapons - unlock the secret door - grab the ancient rune and destroy the 4 headed half dragon half human monster before he crushes you with his tail or annihilates you with a stream of fire. In real life, this translates into seeing available options and putting one into action quicker and more successfully than most. If you can't think of anything to play, watch a kid. I have seen a stick and a piece of string entertain a kid for hours. If they are outside, add a rock and life is golden! As a small kid I had a rocket ship for 2 weeks. That's how long it took me to destroy the box the new refrigerator was packed in! Do you still need ideas? Blow up a balloon and serve it volleyball style to your unsuspecting better half. The next time your sweetie asks for a pair of footies/socks from the sock drawer, gently toss a pair and aim for the head! Then rapidly lob 3 or 4 more pairs…Let the footie wars begin! (Note… If you are single, the last two also work on your children no matter their ages and some friends). Life is gonna throw curve balls all the time. Instead of getting knocked down by them, pick up your bat and swing for all you are worth. If you miss don't worry, soon enough life will throw another one. If you make contact, try to knock it out of the park! Remember, we can all play. My Sister-in-law majored in recreation. She gets paid to help people play!!! We are never too old to play. My Great Grandmother and Grandmother were two of the biggest pranksters I've ever known. This week I watched 2 videos of a couple I know in my age bracket. They took turns making Snow Angels. I really dislike winter, but I loved watching them enjoy what life gave them that day. Hummmm!!?? No! No snow angels for me but maybe I'll go out and craft the perfect snowball and wait for my wife to come out!!!
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