Why Play?

Recently there are many news and studies happening that show increasing depression in youngsters. Kids are becoming suicidal and affected by anxiety, depression etc. I did not hear this a lot when I was growing up. We had limited resources as compared to this new generation. There were only few ways to entertain oneself. Limited television channels, few classes, not many movies running in theaters for kids and almost none computers. Still I did not hear these kind of news a lot at that time.

We must be doing something differently. There has to be something that is going wrong. Any way this is an ongoing discussion and a topic to study in depth. Though, this makes me think about the benefits of play one more time. 

As a part of my  graduation, we studied the benefits of play in detail. Both outdoor and indoor play has a great significance in the process of growth of any kid. Play helps in motor, cognitive and sensory development of kids. While playing, kids explore different surfaces, walk and run on bumpy, smooth, rough roads, touch different textures, smell different things, at times even taste different tastes. This helps in their sensory development. Kids use their muscles  a lot while playing actively like while running, climbing, jumping, hopping and what not! Even while indoor play, kids get a lot of opportunity to use their small muscles. All this contributes to their motor development. Talking to other kids, developing peer relationship, fighting and solving problems help them to work on their social skills. This holistic process in turn helps in overall cognitive development of a kid. Play is incredible!

Along with these benefits, I think there are deeper impacts of play on one's personality. Today's world is different. Technology is making this whole world a global village. There are so many things to learn. So many people to compete with. So much knowledge to absorb. In addition to this, the negativity exists in the world like it always had. There are "bad guys", there are fights, there are wars. Kids hear these news as easily as they can access smart phones and internet. This must be making growing up a serious affair for kids. Life must be stressful for them. Play is a great stress reliever. Physically active play helps to release pent up energy and stress. Pretend and make believe play help kids to talk their mind out. Use their imagination. 

It is great that we are able to send our kids to various classes to learn new skills so easily. But there are certain skills which can not be taught in any class. It is learnt by kids on their own, on the play ground, without the presence of any teacher. In classes, at school and at home, there are adults, helping all the time, praising every effort, encouraging and covering up our mistakes, taking care of us at all times. This is great but it is limited to get real life experience. On play ground there is real life. We need to compete, try to survive. At times lose, feel disappointed. Sometimes face teasing by our dearest friends. Then fight all this, try again. Fall and get up. Learn to live happily with people with differences around us. Get used to winning and losing both. There are no sugar coated words. Game is not always fair. I think this learning is priceless! Play and only play can be such a great teacher. 

The new generation is very smart, compassionate. It has great resources available. Technology is so handy for them. If this is combined with a lot of love and some play, it can cause miracles!